Gendarmerie Against Journalists
A member of the Gendarmerie unit, which was dispersing protesters from the Miloš Veliki highway last night, aggressively shoved N1 journalist Nenad Nešić with both hands, as well as the cameraman. During this incident, he also attempted to seize the camera.
This attack occurred at a moment when it was completely clear that the demonstrators were retreating to the green area, along with the journalist and the cameraman. Journalist Nenad Nešić is one of the most experienced and professional journalists, particularly in reporting from violent protests, adhering to the code of the profession and striving to prevent any threats to the safety of his team.
It is unacceptable to obstruct a journalist who is on assignment, especially when they are not committing any offense and are following the commander’s orders by withdrawing from the pathway. This evident overstepping of authority was also noted by other members of this unit, and the aggressive gendarme soon disappeared among the other members of the unit.
Wearing masks and balaclavas encourages irresponsible behavior, as it makes police members unrecognizable for any attempts at identification. The impunity from the Internal Control Service also encourages the overstepping of authority and violence against journalists and citizens.
ANEM once again calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Police Directorate to create a protocol for intervention units regarding their conduct towards journalists, which would prohibit obstructing journalists' work and prescribe sanctions for attacks on journalists and media workers.
ANEM fully supports the female and male journalists who report from the front lines of protests, who are often assaulted, threatened, insulted, and calls on them to fully adhere to the journalistic code and protocols for safe reporting.
Veran Matić, President of the ANEM Management Board and member of the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists
The project "System for Preventing Violence and Protecting Journalists" is implemented by ANEM in partnership with Insider TV and the Local Media Development Center, with the support of the European Union and the Balkan Democracy Fund.
