Minister Bratina accuses the media of a "war against the state": Can journalists expect more repressive measures from the government?

Minister Bratina stated for the newspaper Večernje Novosti that some media outlets, especially weekly publications, are crossing the line of permissible criticism and acting against the interests of the state by spreading disinformation under the guise of freedom of speech and professionalism, thereby creating a "parallel reality."

According to our sources, the minister completely overlooks the fact that it is precisely tabloids and pro-government television stations that have been creating a "parallel reality" for years.

They also warn that if there is indeed evidence of legal violations in the media, the relevant authorities should respond, rather than the public being inundated with abstract accusations and selective assessments.

"One of the fundamental roles of professional media in democratic societies is to provide a critical approach to social and political phenomena within a state and, in a way, to act as a corrective to the authorities," journalist Bojan Cvejić told Danas.

He states that although there are few media outlets in Serbia that consistently fulfill their role, this does not mean that they are acting against the state.

On the contrary, media that do not ask questions and do not express criticism lose their essential function and become merely an extension of propaganda.

"Reporting on protests, civil actions, and giving space to those who think differently from the authorities or express criticism cannot be considered a violation of the law—these are topics of public interest, provided they are conducted in accordance with the Code of Journalists of Serbia," Cvejić says.

He emphasizes that if there is indeed legal wrongdoing in the media, institutions should respond specifically, rather than presenting the public with vague and selective accusations without evidence.

"I agree with the minister that some media create 'their own realities' and that a certain level of professionalism and ethics must exist—but not in the media he was referring to in that statement," Cvejić notes.

Retired professor from the Faculty of Political Sciences, Snježana Milivojević, assesses that Minister Bratina's statement demonstrates his complete incompetence for the position he holds. She indicates that Bratina formally invokes concern over the abuse of public discourse but essentially attacks freedom of expression.

"It is well known that the public does not trust the media in which they invest enormous amounts of money—tabloids and high-viewership television—while people continue to follow critical media, even when they are not regular viewers. This was also demonstrated by the recent protests," Milivojević points out.

According to her, it is no coincidence that the minister particularly emphasizes print media and weeklies, as they have traditionally been aimed at the more literate and educated segments of the population. In this context, she adds, the government, in accordance with an anti-elitist strategy, encourages public illiteracy while simultaneously portraying criticism as a danger to the state.

"Every critique of corruption and clientelism is declared an attack on the family and personality, and the media reporting on it are labeled as enemies. Criticism is viewed here as the main problem for a government that is losing its reputation and authority," she emphasizes.

Milivojević adds that social media have also become a target, as citizens increasingly seek uncensored information there. "We know that in the past, bots—spreaders of fake news and conspiracy theories—were actually linked to websites established by the ruling party," the professor recalls.

She assesses that Minister Bratina does not mention social media by accident—the reason is that citizens in Serbia, to a greater extent than anywhere else in Europe, inform themselves through these platforms. She highlights that as much as 67 percent of citizens seek information on social networks, while trust in traditional media, especially those close to the authorities, stands at only 27 percent—which is among the lowest rates in Europe.

"Previously, governments have announced regulations that would restrict freedom on social media under the guise of fighting 'fake news.' Since fake news here is mostly fabricated by politicians and media that support the government, it is clear that the goal of such initiatives is to prevent the free exchange of ideas on networks. Research shows that in autocracies, social media are much more important to citizens than traditional media, which either serve the authorities or are under constant attack," Milivojević states.

According to her, behind all this lies an attempt to abuse liberal discourse, under the pretext of protecting freedom of expression, to actually stifle criticism and implement an anti-liberal policy.

"They are trying to use liberal discourse to defend anti-liberal policies," she concludes.

Journalist Branko Čečen assesses that Minister Bratina's statement represents an introduction to a crackdown on independent media.

As he says, a minister who should protect media freedom is actually "preparing the ground for an attack on those who disturb him."

"Vučić, besides the naked, violent dictatorship, has nothing else left. The problem is that he is not 'the state'—the state is the citizens, the Constitution, and the laws. The citizens whom Bratina calls 'the state' are beaten and arrested, while the Constitution and laws are violated every day. In short, he is waging war against the citizens, the Constitution, and the laws. So who is then 'waging war against the state'?" Čečen asks.

He adds that the regime no longer even tries to give the impression that it respects European values, as its primary concern is the survival of its own system.

"Here’s why the man who burned the EU flag has become a minister in the government of a country that is applying for membership in that same union. Because the regime no longer pretends to respect European values—survival is at stake. The survival of plunder, corruption, and crime," Čečen states.

According to him, authoritarian regimes always resort to the same methods, and Serbia could, like Russia or Turkey, follow the same pattern.

"If he finds it possible and is desperate enough—and he seems to be quite desperate—Vučić will resort to a recipe that includes false accusations, biased trials, and long prison sentences for journalists," Čečen concludes, recalling the case of students and activists who were accused of serious crimes for a private conversation in a café.

Minister of Information Boris Bratina clarified for Danas that by media that "wage war against the state," he means those media that, in his opinion, support the blockades of faculties and street blockades.

"I think it is quite obvious that some media are pursuing an anti-state policy. So it is clear that all those who support the blockades are pursuing an anti-state policy. I truly believe that all those who support the blockades are anti-state elements. I have no doubts about that," Bratina says.

He states that he "does not believe" that the state will become more repressive towards the media supporting the blockades, and emphasizes the importance of dialogue among media.

"I believe that the media should talk among themselves and make as much as possible a break from their owners who already have their own ideas, and in this way, journalistic integrity will be restored," Bratina says.

He also stated that as a minister, he advocates for journalistic standards such as truthfulness, objectivity, and comprehensive reporting.

Source: NUNS