ANEM: Journalists from "Revolt" Magazine Continue to Face Death Threats

The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) has issued a stark warning regarding the ongoing threats faced by journalists from the magazine "Revolt." These threats, which include explicit calls for violence and death, have resurfaced on social media platforms, creating a climate of fear and insecurity for media professionals in Serbia. ANEM's statement underscores the severity of the situation, pointing to specific instances of incitement on Instagram that directly target journalists and media organizations.

This latest wave of threats follows previous physical assaults on journalists Lazar Dinić and Ivan Bjelić, as well as photographer Zorica Popović, who were reportedly injured while reporting near Bor. The fact that such attacks are followed by further intimidation highlights a disturbing pattern of hostility towards the press. ANEM's concern is amplified by the perceived lack of effective action from state institutions, particularly the Prosecutor's Office for High-Tech Crime, which has been slow to respond to earlier cases.

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The threats have been reported to the Prosecutor's Office for High-Tech Crime, but the institutions, as he assessed, have still not reacted effectively to previous cases of violence against journalists.

Veran Matić, Chairman of ANEM's Management Board and a member of the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists, expressed deep concern over the authorities' delayed response. He warned that such inaction could embolden those who seek to silence journalists through intimidation and violence, thereby jeopardizing the safety of all media workers. ANEM is urging all journalists and media professionals to report any threats or safety concerns they experience, reminding them of the available free SOS hotline for reporting such incidents.

From a Serbian perspective, these threats are not merely isolated incidents but reflect a broader struggle for press freedom and the safety of journalists in a region often grappling with political pressures and organized crime. While international coverage might focus on the legal aspects or the specific media outlets involved, local reporting emphasizes the chilling effect these threats have on the entire journalistic community and the critical role of a free press in a democratic society. The slow response from institutions is particularly worrying, suggesting a potential lack of political will to protect independent media, which is vital for holding power accountable.

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The lack of timely reaction from the authorities can further encourage perpetrators and endanger the safety of media workers.