Beta News Editor Summoned by Police, Claims Threats After Interview

Vojkan Kostić, the editor-in-chief of the Beta news agency, has reported being summoned by the police and threatened with criminal charges following an interview with military analyst Aleksandar Radić. Radić himself was detained for questioning after his apartment and office were searched.

Kostić stated that he was present when Radić received the police call and accompanied him, initially believing it was a personal matter or a break-in. However, after the search, Kostić was handed a summons to report to the criminal police directorate on suspicion of preparing acts against the constitutional order and security of Serbia. "I don't recall committing any crime, especially not something like this, that would certainly not escape my notice," Kostić said.

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I told them I had committed no crime and that I am a journalist on assignment, reporting from the scene.

Kostić described the police treatment as unpleasant, involving intimidation and threats that he could also be suspected of a criminal offense if he continued his reporting. He characterized the entire situation as blatant intimidation and pressure on journalists. "I told them I had committed no crime and that I am a journalist on assignment, reporting from the scene," he added.

Furthermore, Kostić raised concerns about the timing of information leaks. He claimed that pro-government media received details about the search of Radić's premises at least an hour before it happened. When questioned, the prosecutor reportedly stated they did not provide the information and were not interested in who did, indicating a lack of transparency and potential manipulation of media access.

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I don't recall committing any crime, especially not something like this, that would certainly not escape my notice.