NUNS and UNS: Urgently prosecute threats against Veran Matić

A threat was issued from the account @glisha_m, accompanied by the message "Let’s cut off the head of the hydra!" and a photograph of Veran Matić. The post followed an insert from the show "Without Censorship," in which Matić was a guest, and was published on the social network X.

The NUNS (Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia) and UNS (Journalists' Association of Serbia) warn that such threats, specifically the call for the murder of Veran Matić, seriously endanger his safety. These threats come after a months-long campaign of targeting, discrediting, and slandering that Matić has been subjected to in regime-controlled media. The continuous labeling of individuals as "enemies," accompanied by hate speech and calls for violence, creates an atmosphere in which such threats are an expected consequence.

Matić reported the threat yesterday and stated that this account is already known for having previously threatened other journalists and media workers.

"In none of those cases did the authorities find out who was behind it," said Matić.

Journalist associations remind that the lack of timely responses from institutions contributes to the endangerment of the safety of the person receiving the threats and sends a message that death threats and various forms of intimidation are permissible, thereby further inciting new attacks.

NUNS and UNS call on the police and the relevant public prosecutor's office to promptly identify the person behind the account @glisha_m, investigate all circumstances of this case, and take legally prescribed measures to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.

Any attack or threat directed at journalists and media workers represents an assault on freedom of expression and the public's right to be informed. Effective protection of journalists and a decisive response from institutions are crucial for maintaining a safe environment for media work and a democratic society.