UNS: Find and Punish Those Responsible for Death Threats Against Veran Matić; Effective Action is Key

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (UNS) has called for the immediate identification and prosecution of individuals responsible for issuing death threats against Veran Matić, president of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM). The threats were posted on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Matić confirmed to UNS that he has reported at least seven or eight previous threats to the Special Prosecutor's Office for High-Tech Crime. He expressed frustration over the lack of progress in these cases, including one related to the propaganda film 'Zlo doba,' for which the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists had requested proceedings.

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The Special Prosecutor's Office for High-Tech Crime has received at least seven or eight threats that I have reported so far. I went to the Prosecutor's Office to provide data and statements. So far, there has been no progress, not even in the case of the propaganda film 'Zlo doba' for which the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists requested proceedings from the Prosecutor's Office for High-Tech Crime.

Due to the persistent threats and campaigns against him, Matić has also requested a security assessment from the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs. He has informed international organizations and representatives of the European Commission about the situation.

UNS stressed that effective action by the police and prosecution is crucial for protecting journalists' safety and combating an atmosphere of impunity. The association highlighted that Serbia's Criminal Code prescribes a prison sentence of six months to five years for threatening individuals engaged in public information dissemination.

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I sent a request to the Ministry a few days ago. I have also informed international organizations and representatives of the European Commission.