OSCE media freedom representative calls for full investigation into police attack on journalist in Serbia

VIENNA, 18 August 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today said that a recent attack against a journalist by a law enforcement officer in Niš, Serbia, is unacceptable and must be investigated swiftly and thoroughly.

“The police have a responsibility to safeguard and ensure the safety of members of the media,” Mijatović said. “Incidents like these cannot be tolerated as they contribute to an atmosphere of fear and intimidation and endanger free media.”

On 15 August, Predrag Blagojević, editor with the news portal Juzne vesti, was asked for his identification card at a music festival in Niš, Serbia. After identifying himself as a journalist, Blagojević was physically attacked by a law enforcement officer. He was then taken to the local police station. Blagojević has previously received threats for his reporting.

Mijatović welcomed the announcement of an investigation looking into the incident by the Niš Chief of Police, as well as condemnation of the attack by the UNS, NUNS and NDNV journalists’ associations in Serbia.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.