The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) has reported that violence against journalists by the guards of the illegal tent settlement in Pionirski Park continues. The association is calling on the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) to protect journalists and allow them to work freely.
“ANEM demands that representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs ensure journalists can perform their work without obstruction and protect them from violent individuals with criminal records who present themselves as owners of public spaces such as Pionirski Park,” ANEM stated.
The organization also urges that the area, which is protected as a nature monument and contains cultural heritage sites, be immediately cleared and returned to its intended use, primarily for children.
ANEM reminded that a N1 television crew was blocked from entering Pionirski Park, near the Belgrade City Assembly building, by a so-called “warden” who has been previously identified on social media as M.S. (34) from Sombor, known for being convicted multiple times and having served prison sentences.
“Together with another individual, this person physically prevented journalist Žaklina Tatalović and a cameraman from entering Pionirski Park, using insults and hate speech such as: ‘We are protecting Serbia from scum like you,’ ‘You are the scum destroying Serbia,’ and ‘… I’m not interested in a Ustasha media like yours.’ The self-proclaimed warden of the illegal settlement forcibly claimed control over public space, including the passage next to the Belgrade City Assembly and the entrance to Pionirski Park. When asked to identify himself, he arrogantly responded: ‘Shut up and I’ll tell you,’ and when asked why he would not allow the crew to enter, he said: ‘Because I can,’” ANEM reported.
The association emphasized that police present at the scene did not intervene, even when the journalist called for assistance.
Earlier, ANEM had published a “Chronology of attacks on media workers in the area between Pionirski Park and the Serbian Parliament,” documenting 25 incidents of attacks and interference with journalists’ work throughout 2025.
