Commissioner Antonijević: Prosecute all attacks on journalists.
In light of the increasingly frequent attacks and pressures faced by journalists in recent times, such as the recent case of media targeting of Veran Matić, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Milan Antonijević, issued a "public warning" stating that the work performed by journalists and differences in opinions, editorial policies, and reporting methods can never justify discrimination, harassment, threats, or any form of violence, as this endangers both freedom of expression and the right to information.
All reported cases of threats and attacks on journalists must be investigated and prosecuted equally, non-selectively, and impartially, regardless of which journalist, editorial office, or association is involved, emphasizes Antonijević.
He reminded that the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists states that since the beginning of January 2026, the Safe Line for Journalists has received more than 47 calls regarding threats to safety, and according to the data from the Journalists' Association of Serbia, there was a drastic increase in all forms of threats against journalists during 2025.
Media associations also point to the frequent use of hate speech and discriminatory terminology in the media, as well as the issue of SLAPP lawsuits and the insufficiently effective responses from relevant institutions.
"The Law on Prohibition of Discrimination prohibits harassing and degrading treatment aimed at violating dignity, or creating a frightening, hostile, degrading, humiliating, and offensive environment, and the law also prohibits the promotion of discrimination through public media, which is defined as a serious form of discrimination," emphasizes Antonijević.
In addition to this law, the Commissioner reminds that the Law on Public Information and Media protects individuals from defamation, insult, false representation, and other forms of violation of honor and reputation.
Antonijević stresses that journalists must have the conditions for safe and unhindered performance of their work, and the media bear the responsibility for professional and accountable reporting, in accordance with professional standards and principles of equality.
