ANEM: Identify and prosecute those behind threats to Nova Ekonomija journalist

The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) has issued a strong condemnation following threats directed at Biljana Stepanovic, a prominent journalist and director of the Nova Ekonomija magazine and portal. ANEM is calling for an urgent response from authorities to identify and prosecute the individual responsible for the harassment.

According to ANEM, the threats were delivered through Facebook direct messages from a profile named "Deana Smith." The messages contained explicit intimidation, stating, "Ma'am, we will be seeing each other... Because of your call to lynch Serbian police officers and their families, we’ll be meeting. Now run to those same police and ask for protection." The messages also included a screenshot of a post Stepanovic made on X concerning the wives of police officers in Valjevo, presented as justification for the threats.

Stepanovic has officially reported the incident to the police and the prosecutor’s office. ANEM has also filed a formal report with the Special Department for High-Tech Crime at the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade. The association stressed the need for state authorities to resolve the case promptly and take decisive legal action against those who endanger media workers.

“

Ma'am, we will be seeing each other... Because of your call to lynch Serbian police officers and their families, we’ll be meeting. Now run to those same police and ask for protection. You can claim you were drunk, ma’am. Belgrade’s ‘Circle 2’ is a small place, ma’am. Eventually…Believe me, we will meet.

ANEM noted that threats, pressure, and attacks against journalists in Serbia have escalated significantly since the beginning of last year. Veran Matic, Chairman of the ANEM Board, emphasized the seriousness of the threat, particularly given its explicit intent to endanger Stepanovic in a public area of Belgrade. He pointed out that numerous attacks on journalists in the vicinity have gone unpunished, urging institutions to protect the Nova Ekonomija editorial team and Stepanovic.

The association underscored that intimidation aimed at silencing professional opinions is unacceptable in a democratic society. ANEM reminded the government of its responsibility to guarantee freedom of speech and ensure journalists can work without fear of reprisal. They also urged all media representatives to consistently report any form of endangerment to document the mounting pressure on the Serbian media landscape for both domestic and international attention.

“

This threat should be taken very seriously, as it clearly expresses the intent to endanger the safety of Biljana Stepanovic right in a street in downtown Belgrade, where the highest number of assailants per square meter is located. In the vicinity of Pioneers’ Park and the illegal camp of assailants, which is also inside the circle 2 area, dozens of attacks have occurred against journalists for which no one has been held accountable. Therefore, we call on institutions to protect the editorial team of Nova ekonomija and Biljana Stepanovic.