Commissioner and NGOs: Comparing students to Islamic fanatics on TV Pink and Informer is hate speech.

She reminded that the right to freedom of thought, religious or political belief, as well as the right to protection against discrimination, are guaranteed by the Constitution of Serbia and the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination, as well as numerous international documents ratified by Serbia, including the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

"When certain media outlets insult individuals or groups in this or a similar manner due to their religious, national, or other affiliations, it not only represents unethical journalism but can also incite hatred, discrimination, and violence, especially considering the current and complex social context," the Commissioner warned.

She added that the Law on Public Information and Media prohibits the publication of ideas, information, and opinions that incite discrimination, hatred, or violence against individuals or groups based on their affiliation with a particular race, religion, nationality, gender, or other personal characteristics.

"All media are obligated to act in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and the highest professional standards. Freedom of expression is of crucial importance for the development of a democratic society, but this freedom must not be an excuse for any form of discrimination, incitement to discrimination, or belittlement based on any personal characteristic," stated the Commissioner for Equality Protection.

The Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations Civic Vojvodina strongly condemns, as stated, the shameful and dangerous reporting by regime propaganda outlets Informer and Pink, which these days systematically spread religious and national hatred towards students from Novi Pazar and Sandžak, who are walking to Novi Sad to commemorate the anniversary of the murder of 16 people under the shelter at the railway station.

"In their reports and headlines, these regime media manipulate facts and target young people simply because they come from the Bosniak and Muslim community. Such a campaign aims to intimidate and stigmatize citizens participating in peaceful protests, as well as to deepen divisions and intolerance among the peoples in Vojvodina and Serbia," the organizations stated.

They remind that hate speech and incitement to discrimination are criminal offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Serbia.

They demand that the prosecution investigate the responsibility of the editorials of Informer and Pink for spreading hatred and dehumanizing young citizens.

Civic Vojvodina reminds that students from Novi Pazar and other parts of Serbia have shown civic courage, solidarity, and dignity in their fight for the common good – freedom, justice, and accountability of institutions. Instead of being targets of propaganda hunts, they deserve deep respect and support from all democratically oriented citizens.

"Throughout its history, Vojvodina has always been a space of coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect. We will not allow regime media, for the political interests of the departing regime, to destroy that legacy and provoke divisions among citizens," it emphasizes.

Civic Vojvodina will also inform international organizations that monitor the state of media freedoms, human rights, and the safety of journalists and activists in Serbia about this case.

Civic Vojvodina is composed of the Independent Journalists' Association of Vojvodina, the Regionalism Center, Civic Action, the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia, the Center for Intercultural Communication, the Vojvodina Civic Center, and the Center for Civic Values.