Former N1 News Director Igor Bozic receives Southeast Europe Journalists' Solidarity Award

Igor Bozic, the former director of N1 News, has been honored with the Solidarity Award for Journalists from Southeast Europe. The Southeast Europe Association (SOG) presented the award in Berlin, with Greens Bundestag MP Boris Mijatovic conferring it upon him.

“

It is a great honor to be here with you this evening as a member of the German Bundestag and to join you in recognizing the work of a journalist whose career stands as a symbol of courage, professionalism, and the defense of independent journalism.

Mijatovic lauded Bozic's career as a symbol of courage, professionalism, and the defense of independent journalism. He spoke about the current era, characterized by rising authoritarian tendencies, information manipulation, and rapid digital changes, which place immense pressure on journalists and media professionals. Mijatovic acknowledged the presence of courageous individuals who investigate corruption, expose power abuses, and uphold the public's right to know, emphasizing their deservingness of recognition and respect, even if they never receive an award.

Bozic, accepting the award, painted a stark picture of the journalistic landscape in Serbia. He described the past year not only as a period of protests but also as one where journalists became frequent targets. "A total of 344 incidents against journalists were recorded, including 44 physical attacks, almost four times more than the previous year," Bozic stated. He noted the alarming statistic that only three convictions were handed down for attacks on journalists throughout the entire year.

“

A total of 344 incidents against journalists were recorded, including 44 physical attacks- almost four times more than the previous year. Yet throughout the entire year, only three convictions were handed down for attacks on journalists.

"This is the environment in which journalists in Serbia do their work," Bozic declared. He highlighted that threats originate not only from anonymous individuals but also from relentless smear campaigns by pro-government tabloids, direct attacks by senior public officials, and behind-the-scenes interference in media ownership and editorial independence. "That is why this award is not a recognition of one individual. It belongs to all my colleagues who choose, every single day, to remain true to their profession," he added.

“

This is the environment in which journalists in Serbia do their work. And the threats do not come only from anonymous individuals. There are also relentless smear campaigns by pro-government tabloids, direct attacks by senior public officials, and behind-the-scenes interference in media ownership and editorial independence. That is why this award is not a recognition of one individual. It belongs to all my colleagues who choose, every single day, to remain true to their profession - who continue to do their work with courage, even when the personal cost is high.

Despite a seemingly calmer atmosphere on the streets this year, Bozic warned that the underlying threats and pressure have not diminished. Journalists investigating public interest issues continue to work in an atmosphere of intimidation. He cited instances of journalists being summoned for questioning over their reporting and noted that those who threaten or attack journalists or their property often remain unidentified or unpunished. He mentioned recent incidents, including the vandalism of a car belonging to the son of a professor and journalist, death threats received by an N1 journalist, and messages like "The Black Hand has marked you" sent to journalists and professors.

“

Unfortunately, despite the fact that the streets of Serbian cities may appear calmer this year, the atmosphere has not changed. On the contrary. Threats and pressure have continued. Journalists investigating issues of public interest still work in an atmosphere of intimidation.