ANEM: Police enabled aggressors to prevent gathering and attack journalists in Pirot

The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) has accused police in Pirot, Serbia, of facilitating violence and hindering journalistic work during a Pride caravan event. ANEM claims that instead of securing the registered gathering, the intervention unit's presence allowed hooligans and extremists to spread hate speech and threats, including chants of "Kill, kill the faggot!"

Journalists covering the event reported facing significant obstruction and aggression. Sara Stanojković from Tampon zona and Aleksandar Đokić from Mašina stated they were prevented from reporting freely, facing threats and intimidation. An N1 television crew was also attacked, with a journalist being hit by a tomato. ANEM asserts that attending police officers failed to intervene or protect the journalists, despite the clear violations occurring.

ANEM has formally requested the relevant prosecution office, in collaboration with the police, to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence and obstruction. Veran Matić, a member of the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists and head of ANEM's management board, criticized the police's actions as "unlawful and unconstitutional." He called for an internal investigation into the Pirot Police Administration's leadership for allegedly enabling the violence and preventing journalists from doing their jobs.

The association also noted that a Pride caravan event in Vranje, despite prior threats, proceeded without incident, contrasting sharply with the situation in Pirot. ANEM expressed concern that Serbia is increasingly becoming a "state of lawlessness and violence," where peaceful gatherings promoting equality are banned while ultrarightist groups are allowed to perpetrate violence. They urged authorities to uphold the law by protecting citizens, preventing violence, and ensuring journalists can report freely.