NUNS: The campaign "Evil Era 2" is spilling over into coordinated attacks – the government must respond.
The Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS) strongly condemns the continuation of the organized campaign to discredit Veran Matić, which, following the broadcast of content by the Center for Social Stability titled "Evil Era 2" on national frequency television, is now intensifying through statements from the same organization and the coordinated dissemination of accusations in newly established local portals linked to the actors of this campaign.
In the film "Evil Age 2," the president of the ANEM Board of Directors is dangerously targeted through a distortion of facts and a manipulative narrative, portraying Matić as a "traitor to Serbia," a "foreign mercenary," and an "agent," along with additional accusations of alleged embezzlement of "huge sums of money." Such labeling and constructions represent a classic pattern of public lynching, which fosters a hostile atmosphere towards journalists, media workers, and stakeholders engaged in the protection of media freedom.
The campaign continues with a statement from the Center for Social Stability, accusing Matić of acting "against the state interests of Serbia," with an announcement that "a thematic special dedicated to his dedicated work on certain anti-state projects will soon be released." Following this, a wave of articles and posts appeared on a number of newer portals and pages that are already clearly serving as instruments for settling scores with dissenters and critical voices, including: Podunavlje Live, Nova Pazova Live, Stara Pazova Live, Palanačke Vesti, Lučani Live, Glas Aranđelovca, Serbia in the East, as well as other related channels.
Particularly concerning is the parallel spread of additional dangerous accusations on the social network X, claiming that Matić "finances Albanian media in Kosovo" and that he has "supported separatists." Such assertions, disseminated without evidence, represent an attempt to further escalate tensions and potentially incite hatred and violence, posing a direct risk to Veran Matić's safety.
NUNS warns that such campaigns are not "mere polemics" or legitimate criticism, but rather organized discreditation that can have serious consequences—including endangering the personal safety of the targeted individual, as well as broader intimidation of the media community.
Therefore, NUNS calls on the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications, as well as holders of the highest state functions, to urgently and publicly condemn these campaigns of targeting, labeling, and dehumanization, and to take all necessary measures within their authority to prevent further incitement of a hostile atmosphere towards journalists and media workers.
At the same time, NUNS urges all media to refrain from publishing unverified accusations, manipulative constructions, and content that contributes to lynching, and to respect professional and ethical standards.
NUNS will inform relevant domestic and international actors in the field of media freedom and journalist safety about this case and will continue to monitor the development of events, expecting that the competent authorities recognize the seriousness of the situation and respond in a way that contributes to the protection of safety and the right to free and safe journalistic activity.
Source: NUNS
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