Serbian journalist Veran Matić testifies over threats, media association calls for international intervention

Veran Matić, president of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) in Serbia, has provided a statement to the First Basic Public Prosecutor's Office concerning threats he has reported. Matić also highlighted that the tabloids Alo and Informer have recently escalated their attacks, publishing new insults and disseminating false information about him.

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After that statement, Matić requested a security risk assessment. A month later, the Ministry of Internal Affairs informed him that there were elements of endangerment to his safety and that a decision had been made to increase patrols near his place of residence.

According to ANEM, these tabloids have spread at least three untruths by publishing surveillance footage from the National Assembly building and accompanying articles. These falsehoods include claims that Matić filmed people without reason, harassed them, and physically assaulted a young man. Matić reiterated in his statement that he has felt threatened since August of the previous year.

ANEM attributes the heightened threat level to remarks made by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on national television. Vučić allegedly stated that convictions of individuals imprisoned due to Veran Matić should be expunged, and that he would personally apologize to them. Following this statement, Matić requested a security risk assessment. The Ministry of Internal Affairs informed him a month later that elements of endangerment existed and that increased patrols would be implemented near his residence.

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Attacks on Veran Matić are becoming increasingly frequent and dangerous, as are attacks on numerous other female and male journalists in Serbia.

The police recently informed Matić that the enhanced security measures remain in place. ANEM emphasizes that attacks on Matić, and numerous other journalists in Serbia, are becoming more frequent and dangerous. The association urges the European Commission and other international bodies to insist on an end to the escalating threats against journalists and media in Serbia, warning that a Serbia without independent and professional media has no future.

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Serbia without independent and professional media is a country without a future.