Anti-Corruption Agency probes ex-media regulator head for conflict of interest

The Bureau for Social Research (BIRODI) announced that Serbia's Anti-Corruption Agency has launched an investigation into Olivera Zekić, the former president of the Council of the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM). The probe aims to determine if Zekić violated the Law on Prevention of Corruption by potentially engaging in a conflict of interest.

BIRODI's complaint highlighted suspicions that Zekić began working at REM as an employee after her term as president ended, without prior approval from the Anti-Corruption Agency. Concerns were raised because Zekić, while serving as president, participated in the selection process for the current REM director, Rajka Galin Ćertić, who subsequently approved Zekić's employment as a public relations officer.

The agency had previously found Zekić in conflict of interest for failing to declare a private interest and participating in REM Council decisions concerning herself, resulting in a warning. BIRODI is now calling on the new REM Council to investigate the specifics of Zekić's engagement, the criteria used by Director Galin Ćertić, and adherence to the law.

BIRODI also urged the council to determine REM Director Galin Ćertić's accountability for the decision to hire Zekić. The organization stated that Zekić's continued employment at REM raises serious ethical questions and creates a perception of a conflict of interest, particularly given her public appearances in her official capacity. BIRODI warned that without addressing the issues stemming from the previous REM Council's actions, the new council will struggle to meet public expectations for media regulation.