Zrenjanin court fines Žitište mayor for discriminating against activist

The Higher Court in Zrenjanin has ruled that Ivana Martinović, the president of the municipality of Žitište, discriminated against local activist Danijel Živanov due to his sexual orientation. The ruling came after Živanov filed a lawsuit concerning Martinović's public posts on social media.

According to the NGO 'Da se zna!', which announced the court's decision, Martinović publicly singled out Živanov for his activism during student protests. Her posts allegedly framed him through the lens of his LGBT+ identity and drag performance, constituting discriminatory content.

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The court ordered Ivana Martinović to stop discriminatory behavior and further publication of Živanov's photos with discriminatory content.

The court ordered Martinović to cease her discriminatory conduct and refrain from further publishing discriminatory content related to Živanov. Additionally, she was ordered to pay Živanov 100,000 dinars (approximately $920 USD) as compensation for non-material damages and to cover the legal costs of the proceedings.

Following the verdict, the NGO 'Da se zna!' has called for Martinović's resignation. The organization stated that a public official who violates the principle of equality and the prohibition of discrimination should not hold a public office that requires representing the interests of all citizens.

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A public official who violates the principle of equality and the prohibition of discrimination should not hold a public office that requires representing the interests of all citizens.