Serbian media associations condemn attacks on journalists at Pride events

Serbian media associations have strongly condemned the harassment and endangerment of journalists and activists during Pride caravan events held in Kraljevo and Zaječar. The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS), the Association of Electronic Media (ANEM), and the Journalists' Association of Serbia (UNS) called for swift identification and prosecution of those involved.

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We didn't have PRES vests, but they knew we were journalists because they had asked us earlier why we were filming.

In Kraljevo, a group of protesters reportedly threw stones and eggs at participants and journalists from behind a police cordon. Journalists from local outlets LiKVidno.info and Glas Šumadije were hit, prompting ANEM to file a criminal complaint. The incident occurred while a journalist was interviewing Bojan Lazić, executive director of "Da se zna!," an organizer of the Pride caravan.

Nenad Simović, a journalist from LiKVidno, recounted being hit by eggs while interviewing a colleague. "We didn't have PRES vests, but they knew we were journalists because they had asked us earlier why we were filming," he told UNS. The interview had to be cut short due to safety concerns.

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It is impermissible to endanger the safety of activists and journalists.

In Zaječar, journalists Miljko Stojanović and Đorđe Đorđević from Glas Zaječara were subjected to insults and vulgar gestures by opponents of the event. ANEM reminded the police of their obligation to ensure the safety of all participants and facilitate unimpeded reporting by journalists.

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The state is obliged to guarantee respect for human rights, the safety of citizens, and the unimpeded work of media representatives.

Both ANEM and NUNS stressed that the state must guarantee human rights, citizen safety, and the ability of media representatives to work without interference. NUNS specifically expressed concern over the police's delayed reaction during the incidents, urging an investigation into the officers' conduct.

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It is particularly concerning that the police reaction was not timely at the moment when dangerous objects were being thrown at the participants and journalists.