Serbia: 19 Years On, No Justice for Attempted Assassination of Journalist

Nineteen years have passed since the brazen attempt on the life of journalist Dejan Anastasijević, yet Serbia remains without justice for this grave attack. The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) has rightly highlighted the continued lack of an effective investigation into the bombing of Anastasijević's Belgrade apartment in April 2007. This enduring impunity sends a chilling message about the safety of journalists and the state's commitment to upholding the rule of law.

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Nineteen years after the 'attempted assassination' of journalist Dejan Anastasijević, to this day, no effective investigation has been carried out, nor has it been determined who is behind the planting of bombs in front of his apartment.

The incident, where bombs were placed beneath his windows, resulted in significant damage but, by sheer luck, Anastasijević was not harmed. Despite widespread condemnation and promises of a thorough investigation from the authorities at the time, the reality has been a stark absence of accountability. ANEM rightly points out the disturbing contrast between the official rhetoric and the lack of concrete results, a pattern all too familiar in cases involving threats to media professionals in Serbia.

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One bomb exploded and damaged another. Shrapnel scattered throughout the apartment, but, thanks to the position of the bed, they did not hit the target.

As Veran Matić, president of ANEM's Managing Board, emphasized, Anastasijević was a courageous and principled journalist, known for his reporting from the Yugoslav wars and his unwavering defense of the public interest. His work often placed him in danger, and this attack was a direct consequence of his dedication. The media community's continued demand for the perpetrators and masterminds to be brought to justice is not merely about honoring Anastasijević's legacy; it is a critical fight for the freedom of the press and the safety of all journalists working in Serbia. The failure to resolve this case is a stain on Serbia's efforts to establish a secure environment for independent journalism.

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Numerous condemnations of the assassination attempt followed, with promises that 'heaven and earth would be turned upside down,' but there were no concrete results.