NDNV strongly condemns the smear campaign and lynching against Veran Matić.

NDNV indicates that such propaganda products do not represent isolated incidents, but rather are part of a long-term and systematic campaign of intimidation, targeting, and criminalization of critical voices in the public space. The aim of these campaigns is not debate or public discussion, but the creation of an atmosphere of lynching and delegitimization of individuals who have consistently defended professional standards, media freedom, and the public's right to be informed for decades.

There is no doubt that the reason for the attack on Veran Matić is that he is highly engaged in documenting attacks on journalists and media workers in Serbia and persistently insists on institutional accountability.

NDNV particularly warns that such “films” and similar propaganda content have real consequences for the safety of individuals. In a society where journalists already face physical attacks, threats, and the impunity of perpetrators, public targeting further incites violence and legitimizes persecution.

This is yet another attack on the idea of free, professional, and responsible journalism, as well as a message to all journalists about what awaits them if they do not submit to obedience and self-censorship.

NDNV reminds us that democracy is not destroyed all at once, but gradually – through the normalization of propaganda, demonization of individuals, and turning the public space into a battleground against dissenters. Such practices are deeply incompatible with the fundamental standards of a democratic society and European values.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Vojvodina expresses full solidarity with Veran Matić, as well as with all journalists and media workers who are exposed to organized campaigns of discreditation, and calls on domestic and international organizations for the protection of media freedom to pay attention to the continuous erosion of media freedoms in Serbia before it is too late.

Source: NDNV