Beta Agency editor released after statement on confiscated phone

Vojkan Kostić, the editor-in-chief of the Beta News Agency, was released from police custody on Wednesday evening after giving a statement. His detention and questioning centered on the confiscation of a mobile phone belonging to military analyst Aleksandar Radić.

Kostić was summoned by the police after he reported on the search of Radić's apartment. The search was conducted as part of an investigation into allegations that a sound cannon was deployed against demonstrators during a protest in Belgrade on March 15. Police were primarily interested in understanding how Radić's phone ended up with Kostić.

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The police asked me that Radić's phone was with me and the statement was mostly about that circumstance. I told the police that I was having coffee with Radić when the inspector called him and told him to come to the apartment immediately, without explaining what it was about. As a professional colleague and friend of Radić, I offered to go with him, thinking that perhaps there had been a break-in.

Explaining the situation, Kostić stated that he was having coffee with Radić when the analyst received a call from an inspector asking him to come to his apartment immediately, without further explanation. As a professional colleague and friend, Kostić offered to accompany Radić, initially thinking there might have been a break-in.

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I remained in front of the apartment so that I could continue reporting on that event and wait for the lawyer he called, without whom the entire procedure could not begin. If there had been some premeditation, I would have left the scene. I would not have stayed for several more hours.

Upon arriving at the apartment, Radić handed his phone to Kostić because he needed to enter the premises and witness the search, anticipating many calls due to the unfolding events. Kostić remained outside the apartment to continue reporting on the situation and await Radić's lawyer. He emphasized that if there had been any premeditation, he would have left the scene, not stayed for several hours.

Following the apartment search, Kostić received a summons to provide a statement as a citizen in a pre-investigative procedure concerning the criminal offense of "preparing an act against the constitutional order and security of Serbia." Kostić asserted his innocence, stating he has never considered committing any crime and has worked as a journalist for nearly 25 years, adhering strictly to professional standards. He confirmed that police issued a receipt for the confiscated phone and that a report was filed.

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I immediately went to the Criminal Police Administration because I have nothing to hide. The police offered me to have a lawyer present, but I considered it unnecessary because I have never even thought of committing that or any other criminal offense. I am a journalist who has been doing my job for almost a quarter of a century, always and exclusively in accordance with journalistic standards and codes. Radić is my friend and of course I was there when he needed me.