One of the two protesters injured during demonstrations in Čačak four days ago, Tatjana Dizdar, has publicly distanced herself from media reports about the incident, while also facing political pressure from Serbia’s ruling party.
In her first statement since the protest, Dizdar stressed that she was not injured at the same location as the beaten young man, but rather attacked separately after a verbal confrontation with a supporter of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
“I reject all claims, whether from pro-government or independent media, that I had any contact on September 28 with the individuals who were arrested and allegedly involved in the beating of a young man,” Dizdar said.
Dizdar also highlighted that she has been under pressure from President Aleksandar Vučić’s ruling SNS, which she accuses of attempting to manipulate the narrative by portraying her as a government supporter. Observers note that this follows a broader pattern in Serbia, where Vučić and his party use their influence over much of the media landscape to blur accountability and shift public perception.
She further dismissed allegations made in certain pro-government outlets that she was “chasing SNS supporters,” as well as reports in some independent media that she was attacked by “thugs with clubs.”
“That is not true, and I do not want my testimony to be aligned with lies, even in the fight against the regime. Otherwise, I would be no different from the pro-government media, which have been constructing a false reality for years,” she emphasized.
Dizdar also requested that her workplace not be associated with the incident, insisting that the institution where she works should not be “smeared” because it has no connection to her personal views or private actions.
The protest in Čačak, held simultaneously by SNS supporters and opposition citizens, left two people injured. A young man was beaten by masked individuals armed with clubs, while Dizdar did not specify the extent of her injuries.
Police have not yet issued an official statement. However, according to local media and the opposition in Čačak, four men have been arrested in connection with the violence at the protest.
