The Ministry of Information has stated that it is concerned about the attack on Veran Matić.

The Ministry condemns any form of violence, threats, pressure, and obstruction of the work of journalists and media workers.

“The safety of journalists and their right to perform their work freely is of public interest and represents an important prerequisite for the free and responsible informing of citizens. We expect the relevant authorities to establish all the facts and circumstances of this event and to take action in accordance with the law if any unlawful conduct is determined. The Ministry will continue to support activities aimed at improving the safety of journalists and strengthening institutional mechanisms for the protection of media workers,” the statement reads.

Let us remind you that Matić was attacked while filming a public gathering of several dozen citizens who were wearing hats with white ribbons. Although he was not aware of the reasons for the gathering, Matić assessed that it was a matter of public interest and took several photographs and recordings to inform the public. 

As he was moving towards the stairs leading to the main entrance of the National Assembly, an unknown young man approached him, attempting to prevent him from filming, and snatched the phone from his hand. When Matić stated that he was a journalist and requested the return of his phone, the young man did not respond.

According to Matić's account, his phone was returned only after a man he recognized as Đorđe Prelić, known as a former leader of the Alkatraz fan group and one of those convicted for the murder of French fan Brice Taton in 2009, issued an order to do so. In a brief conversation, Prelić told Matić that he had “ruined his life” by reporting for TV B92. Matić believes this referred to the investigative series Insider, which was once aired on that television.

After the incident, Matić approached the security personnel present in the building of the National Assembly. A security member told him he had not noticed the event and directed him to report the case to the police. The incident was reported to the Police Station Stari Grad in Majke Jevrosime.