Media Freedom Coalition Denounces Belgrade Prosecutor's Campaign Against Journalists

The Coalition for Media Freedom has strongly condemned what it describes as a "broad and evidently pre-prepared campaign" by the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade against media outlets and journalists. The coalition stated that this campaign was launched following a "controversial statement" made by the prosecutor's office concerning the "sound cannon" case.

“

najoštrije osuđuje "široku i očigledno unapred pripremljenu kampanju targetiranja medija i novinara", koju je, kako je navela, "pokrenulo Više javno tužilaštvo (VJT) Beogradu svojim "kontroverznim saopštenjem" o slučaju "zvučni top".

According to the coalition's statement, the prosecutor's office announced investigative actions related to a student-civil protest held on March 15 last year in Belgrade. The office alleged that a meeting of the "Students on Blockade" group on January 22, 2025, involved planning a "simulation" of using a sound cannon during the March 15 protest.

The Coalition for Media Freedom expressed concern that the prosecutor's office, which they believe is often used as an instrument of the executive power, is investigating the "sound cannon" incident. This incident allegedly caused thousands to flee a Belgrade rally due to a disturbing sound, with some experiencing health issues. The coalition noted that the prosecutor's statement implies the incident was pre-planned to incite unrest and overthrow the government.

“

Ovo tužilaštvo, koje se već duže vreme u dobrom delu javnosti smatra instrumentom u rukama izvršne vlasti, najavilo je istragu o slučaju "zvučni top“.

While not delving into the legal merits of the prosecutor's statement, the coalition emphasized its potential to severely undermine freedom of expression and media freedom. They warned that it could lead to criminal liability for spoken words and opinions. The coalition also pointed out that immediately after the prosecutor's statement, a campaign targeting free media and journalists who reported on or commented on the incident began across pro-government media and social networks. These journalists are accused of participating in a "state coup" and being part of an "organized media group" working for state enemies.

“

Neposredno posle saopštenja, u medijima bliskim vlasti i na društvenim mrežama pokrenuta široka kampanja targetiranja slobodnih medija i novinara koji su izveštavali o ovom incidentu ili iznosili stav o njemu.