NUNS and ANEM: The arrest of Aleksandar Dikić is an act of repression and a dangerous blow to freedom of expression.

Aleksandra Dikić was arrested yesterday in Novi Sad by members of the Service for Combating High-Tech Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, after which he was transported to Belgrade, where he was placed under police custody for 48 hours.

This move was preceded by a campaign from regime tabloids against Dikić, which further raises suspicion that this is politically motivated action and pressure on media and individuals who publicly express critical views.

According to available information, Dikić is accused of "calling for violent change of the constitutional order," while his lawyer Ivan Ninić stated in the media that the journalist made an "awkward statement" during a program on the YouTube channel Srbin Info a few days ago, which was misinterpreted. In addition to the arrest, according to available information, the preliminary proceedings judge, at the request of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, ordered a forced entry and search of the apartment, which represents an additional disturbing indicator of the inappropriate use of repressive powers.

Journalists and media workers have a special responsibility in the public space, as the way they communicate, as well as the terms and expressions they use, directly shape public discourse and influence the social climate. It is essential for journalists to insist on precise, ethical, and professional language, aware that every spoken or written word carries weight and responsibility, not only towards the audience but also towards the profession itself. Nevertheless, the measures ordered are excessive and disproportionate, especially considering the context in which the disputed words were spoken.

Particularly concerning is the application of disproportionate measures such as the examination and search of journalists' computer hard drives, other storage devices, and mobile phones, as well as the recording of their contents, which directly compromises personal, confidential data and journalistic sources. Such practices represent a serious intrusion into the right to privacy and freedom of the media, as well as a dangerous precedent that directly intimidates journalists and their sources.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS) and the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) warn that such actions by state authorities represent a direct attack on freedom of expression and freedom of thought. Repression does not protect the public interest but defends the regime, and the goal of such arrests and criminal proceedings is to intimidate all those who exercise their right to express critical opinions and participate in public debate.

We particularly protest against the double standards applied by Serbian authorities. While relevant institutions, primarily the prosecution, dismiss criminal complaints related to direct, real, and achievable threats against journalists, simultaneously the slightest criticism of the authorities or regime policies is strictly sanctioned.

NUNS and ANEM demand that the relevant authorities urgently reassess the justification and proportionality of the measures taken and fully respect the standards for protecting media freedom, the public interest, and journalists' rights in future actions.

We remind that freedom of expression includes the protection of unpleasant, provocative, or unpopular views, and that institutions have an obligation to act impartially, proportionately, and in accordance with the public interest, not as instruments of political pressure.

NUNS and ANEM will inform relevant international organizations that monitor the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists about this case, demanding that further abuse of institutions to target critical voices be prevented.

Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS)

Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM)