NUNS: The intimidation of the editor of "Slavija info" represents a dangerous practice that could negatively impact freedom of expression
The Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia expresses concern regarding the actions of the police and the prosecutor's office towards the editor-in-chief of the YouTube channel "Slavija info," Ljubomir Stefanović, who was taken by police officers to the Voždovac Police Station after he posted on his account on the social network X, where he was subjected to a detention measure of up to 48 hours.
Stefanović posted on the social network X, along with the question "is it true and possible," a photograph of a document that allegedly represents an Act of Pardon for members of the Vučić family for all potential criminal offenses committed up to the date of the controversial decision.
The editor of the YouTube channel "Slavija Info" was released from police custody after the court upheld the appeal filed by his defense attorney.
According to Nikola Lakić, Stefanović's defense attorney appointed by the incompetent prosecutor's office, the police conducted a search of the house where Stefanović resides, as well as the property where his sister lives. They seized their laptops and mobile phones. Stefanović has been charged with the criminal offense of document forgery.
Without delving into the authenticity of the document that Stefanović published and regarding which he posed a question, NUNS points to a dangerous practice that can certainly have a negative impact on freedom of expression.
Police custody determinations, as well as other measures prescribed by law, must be implemented with strict adherence to procedures. Arbitrary searches of residences, police custody determinations, and the seizure of communication devices (mobile phones, computers, etc.) represent a gross violation of citizens' rights. If such practices continue, NUNS warns, practicing journalism will become impossible. In this way, the public will, at a very delicate moment, be deprived of information that is already difficult to obtain.
Ljubomir Stefanović told the media last October that he was intercepted on his way to the studio by a group of agents from the Security Information Agency (BIA), taken to the premises of the police station in Voždovac, where he was told he would receive five years in prison for insulting President Vučić. Due to such actions, Stefanović filed criminal complaints against members of the BIA.
According to information available to NUNS, in the case of Ljubomir Stefanović, the Cellebrite tool, used for unlocking phones and retrieving data, was employed, which also raises the possibility of installing NoviSpy spyware.
As a result of this, civil sector organizations have filed a criminal complaint.
The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia believes that during Stefanović's arrest, freedom of thought and freedom of expression—foundations of every democratic society—were violated. The role of journalists is to present information and ask questions, and they must not be persecuted or detained for doing so. The behavior of the prosecution and police aimed at unnecessarily protecting representatives of the authorities is unacceptable and constitutes a serious violation of fundamental rights and an abuse of granted powers. Therefore, we call on the relevant authorities to cease such attacks and persecution of journalists and citizens.
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