SafeJournalists: The state must protect the work of journalists in Serbia and urgently investigate the attack on Darko Simić

During the civil protest in New Belgrade, while the protest column was passing by the SNS headquarters, where another group of gathered citizens was present, several journalists were standing nearby recording the event. At one point, a person from the group gathered in front of the SNS headquarters rushed towards journalist Simić, who had a visibly displayed press badge, and punched him in the face, pushing him, while shouting: "What are you filming?"

The Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS) reminds that physical attacks on journalists constitute unlawful behavior and are a direct assault on media freedom. The frequency of attacks on journalists and media workers while reporting on events is concerning, especially as these attacks often go unpunished. We would like to remind that it is the police's obligation to ensure safe working conditions for journalists and media workers when covering public events, as well as to respond promptly in the event of an attack on media workers, in accordance with their legal authority. Any failure in this obligation represents a serious threat to media freedoms and the right to information.

In this particular case, Simić immediately approached a police officer, who first told him to report the incident at the nearest police station. After some time, however, the officer took the journalist's details and stated that he would initiate proceedings.

The SafeJournalists Network calls on the relevant authorities to conduct a swift, independent, and effective investigation into this incident and to impose penalties on the perpetrator in accordance with the law. A timely, decisive, and transparent response from the authorities is essential to send a clear and unequivocal message that any violence against media workers is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The protection of journalists is the foundation of a free and democratic society, and the state is obliged to guarantee their safety while they perform their duties in the public interest.

The SafeJournalists Network will inform national and international stakeholders about this incident and will continue to monitor the situation.

Every attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, the public interest, and fundamental human rights.

Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, 6.8.2025. 

Journalists' Association of Kosovo

Journalists' Association of Macedonia

BH Journalists Association

Croatian Journalists' Society

Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia

Media Union of Montenegro