Response of the City Administration of Vranje to ANEM's questions regarding journalist safety
After Veran Matić, the president of the Board of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) and a member of the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists, sent a letter on August 11 to the City of Vranje, Mayor Slobodan Milenković, and the Head of the City Administration Dušan Aritonović regarding the violence of the director of JKP "Komrad," Zoran Dimitrijević, towards journalist Jelena Stojković of Večernje Novosti during the performance of her journalistic duties, as well as concerning the demolition of an illegally constructed facility that had blocked part of OK Radio's premises, a response from the Head of the City Administration of Vranje was received just 10 days later, which we are publishing in its entirety.
Dear Sir/Madam,
On August 11, 2025, I received your email in which you request a statement from the mayor and me regarding the "violence of the director of JKP 'Komrad,' Zoran Dimitrijević, towards journalist Jelena Stojković of 'Večernje novosti' during the performance of her journalistic duties," as well as regarding the demolition of an illegally constructed facility that has blocked part of the premises of "OK Radio."
Regarding your first question, I am aware that some local media reported that the aforementioned attack on the journalist by the named director occurred. I also learned from the media that criminal proceedings have been initiated against him before the competent prosecutor's office. Considering that the relevant authorities are already addressing this case, and that the facts related to the mentioned unlawful actions can only be established in a criminal proceeding before the competent state authorities, it would be premature and inappropriate to provide any statement at this moment. I certainly condemn any attack on journalists or public employees.
As for your second question, I have informed you about this matter multiple times so far. In the previous period, several public procurement announcements were issued for the demolition of illegally constructed buildings; as you know, in most cases, no one responded, or at some point, they withdrew from execution. As a local government, we certainly cannot give up on resolving this issue, and we continuously carry out all necessary procedures.
Sincerely,
Head of the City Administration
Dušan Aritonović
Project "System for the Prevention of Violence and Protection of Journalists," implemented by ANEM in partnership with Insajder TV and the Center for the Development of Local Media, with the support of the European Union and the Balkan Democracy Fund.
