Vidovdan was supposed to be a day of remembrance and respect, but instead, it turned into a day of shame for Serbia and its police. Journalists and cameramen trying to report from the gathering in front of the Serbian Parliament faced a nightmare. An aggressive young man, a participant of the Serbian Progressive Party rally, insulted, obstructed, and physically prevented journalists from Insajder, N1, Newsmax, Al Jazeera Balkans, Fonet agency, and the daily Danas from doing their job. Despite journalists reporting the incident to the police, there was no reaction. Police officers claimed they did not notice any violence and later just returned the offender to the fenced area without any sanctions.
Vern Matić, coordinator of the SOS phone for reporting attacks on journalists, personally tried to remove the offender but failed. The police trivialized the situation, claiming there was no breach of public order, which is unacceptable since journalists were simply doing their job – informing the public. This attitude towards the media and their safety is alarming and sends a message that violence against journalists is tolerated.
This incident is not isolated but part of a broader problem in Serbia where journalists often face threats, obstruction, and violence, and institutions fail to respond adequately. If the police do not protect those who inform us, who will? The Vidovdan protests showed how alarming the situation is. The police must take responsibility and protect journalists, not leave them at the mercy of aggressors. If this continues, media freedom in Serbia will be just an empty wish.
So, what do you think? Is this the end of press freedom or just the start of even harsher attacks? Drop a comment, let the people’s voice be heard!
