Maja Sever: I am concerned about the government's attitude in Serbia towards N1, as well as Europe's powerlessness.

The European and International Federation of Journalists and their members from Serbia have called on the Ministry of Interior to provide police protection for television N1, considering the increasing threat to the journalists of this media outlet.

“The situation has absolutely escalated, even though, when we were in Serbia a few months ago with the Media Freedom Rapid Response, a group of international organizations, it seemed that it couldn't get any worse. I would also like to express my support for Verica (Marinčić), whom we met then and I have met with her several times. Unfortunately, her work exemplifies the state of journalism in Serbia today,” Maja Sever told N1.

She added that the European Federation of Journalists is monitoring everything related to television N1.

“We are keeping a close watch on this. I am not only referring to the attacks. You are truly putting your safety at risk to provide truthful information to the public. You are now in a very insecure situation and waiting to see what will happen in the near future,” Sever assessed.

What is the least Europe can do?

She added that the European Federation of Journalists is monitoring the attacks by government representatives in Serbia who "threaten" to find all possible means to, as she said, "silence" television N1.

“This is more than concerning, but what frightens me is the impotence of Europe,” Sever emphasized.

She added that “the least Europe and European institutions can do is to find a way to apply all the documents, acts, laws, and recommendations they have adopted to such cases.”

“Specifically - to protect the journalists of N1, thus ensuring their safety, and then the continuation of free work,” Sever stated.

She noted that institutions in Serbia also have a legal obligation to protect the safety of journalists.

“But we know that recently some officials protested in an organized manner in front of your editorial office, so I am not sure how much we can expect from them,” Sever said.

She mentioned that when Croatia was on the path to EU accession, the Union was strong and had mechanisms to compel government officials "to adhere to all principles and obligations" that the EU imposes on candidate countries.

“We do not see that in the case of Serbia. We see impotence,” Sever remarked.

"Whatever happens, Vučić can continue as he pleases"

She noted that it is evident that just a few days after international journalists' organizations issued “strong and concerning” statements regarding the situation in Serbia, a meeting took place between Ursula von der Leyen and Aleksandar Vučić.

“Three days after that, we are following the meeting between Ursula von der Leyen and Aleksandar Vučić; we read about the funds that were allocated. Simply put - there is no response to the obvious violations of obligations, violations of democratic laws and norms,” Sever emphasized, adding that one of the reasons for this is the “lack of genuine political will.”

“Whatever we write, whatever we warn about, at this moment, concerning Brussels, nothing will happen to Aleksandar Vučić that would shake his power and position,” Sever said.

She added that “whatever happens,” Vučić "can continue as he pleases."

“Whatever happens - and this is extremely dangerous, he can continue as he pleases. I do not understand how anyone in the democratic world can comprehend what Vučić has said in the last few weeks about journalists and the N1 newsroom,” Maja Sever, President of the European Federation of Journalists, emphasized to N1, adding that the EU must find a response to what is happening to the journalists of N1.

Source: N1