Serbian Journalists' Association Condemns Official's Intimidation of Editor

The Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS) has issued a strong condemnation against Bojan Pitulić, an official in the Grocka municipality, for allegedly intimidating Željko Matorčević, the editor-in-chief of the portal Žig info. The incident occurred after Žig info published an article detailing Pitulić's career.

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Cleaned streets of the opposition, now cleaning Grocka

According to the Žig info editorial team, Pitulić used his Instagram account to repost the article, titled "Cleaned streets of the opposition, now cleaning Grocka," accompanied by an insulting comment aimed at Matorčević. The portal views this not as a mere online insult but as a direct threat, citing Pitulić's position as an influential official and a history of pressure, threats, and attacks against journalists in the region.

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such a message should not be treated as a harmless comment below the text, nor as an insult that should be ignored, but as a threat, given that Pitulić is an influential official, but also because of previous pressures, threats and attacks on journalists.

NUNS urged Pitulić to issue a public apology to Matorčević and the Žig info editorial team. They also called on him to cease any communication that could be perceived as pressure, intimidation, or threats towards journalists. The association highlighted the past attack on journalist Milan Jovanović, whose house was set on fire, and the conviction of former Grocka municipality president Dragoljub Simonović for inciting the attack. This history, NUNS stated, makes any hostile message from local authorities towards the portal's journalists a serious concern.

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public officials are obliged to tolerate criticism of their work, especially when they hold public office and exercise public authority.

The association reminded Pitulić and all public officials that they are obligated to accept criticism regarding their work, especially when holding public office and exercising public authority. NUNS emphasized that instead of resorting to insults and pressure, officials should foster a culture of public discourse, both in public appearances and online. They stressed that if officials believe media outlets have published inaccurate or incomplete information, they should utilize legally provided mechanisms, such as the right to reply and correction, rather than engaging in retaliatory behavior against journalists.

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Instead of insults and pressure on journalists, officials have an obligation to nurture a culture of public discourse, both in public appearances and in the online space.