NDNV: Violence Against Journalists in Novi Sad Rewarded with the Position of Deputy Mayor

We remind the public that Vuk Raonić is one of the individuals involved in the violent incident on November 5, 2024, during which the then cameraman of Euronews, Mirko Todorović, was physically attacked at a public event. Despite the existence of video recordings and testimonies about this attack, as well as multiple appeals from journalistic and media organizations, no institution has established responsibility, nor has the public been informed about the outcome of any proceedings.

Instead of sanctions, we witness a political reward for violence: an individual connected to the attack on a media worker is promoted to one of the highest positions in the city. Such a decision sends a dangerous message that violence against journalists in Serbia is tolerated, and even encouraged, if it comes from politically favored circles.

NDNV assesses that this appointment is part of a broader pattern of institutional normalization of violence, in which attacks on journalists are relativized, covered up, or go unpunished, while their perpetrators are protected and rewarded with public positions. This further fosters an atmosphere of fear, impunity, and systemic pressure on media workers.

It is particularly concerning that such a message is being sent from Novi Sad - a city that formally presents itself as a European, multicultural, and democratic center. The appointment of an individual connected to violence against journalists to the position of deputy mayor represents a serious insult to the journalistic profession, as well as a significant blow to the citizens' right to be accurately and timely informed.

NDNV demands:
• that the public be clearly informed about the criteria based on which an individual with such a record was appointed to a high city position;
• that the practice of political protection and rewarding of perpetrators be terminated;
• that effective institutional protection for journalists and media workers in Serbia be ensured.

The appointment of individuals connected to violence against journalists to high public offices sends a clear signal that the authorities not only fail to protect media freedoms but actively participate in their erosion. NDNV warns that such a policy leads to further escalation of violence and the complete destruction of trust in institutions.

NDNV expresses full solidarity with cameraman Mirko Todorović and all journalists and media workers who are subjected to pressure, attacks, and systemic impunity from their attackers.