Serbian police have detained Vladan Sretenović, nearly two and a half months after he allegedly attacked a television crew from N1, damaging their equipment during an incident in central Belgrade. Authorities have ordered 48-hour detention, while prosecutors have formally requested pre-trial custody.
According to the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade, Sretenović was located on February 5, 2026, following the attack that occurred on November 20, 2025, at Nikola Pašić Square, near the Serbian National Assembly. He is suspected of committing the criminal offense of obstructing media broadcasting and distribution of program content.
Details of the Incident
The N1 reporting team was filming a segment when a group of individuals approached them from the so-called “Ćacilend” encampment. According to eyewitness accounts, Sretenović allegedly approached the cameraman from behind, snatched the camera, and smashed both the camera and tripod onto the ground before fleeing the scene.
Journalists present at the scene claimed that police officers were nearby but did not intervene immediately, reportedly arriving approximately one hour and 20 minutes after the attack.
Cameraman Ivan Pavlović described the event as sudden and violent, while journalist Maja Nikolić stated that she repeatedly called for police assistance during the attack but received no immediate response, describing the experience as deeply distressing.
Criminal History and Legal Concerns
Public records indicate that Sretenović previously served 15 years in prison for a 1997 murder, which he reportedly admitted was committed over a financial dispute. He was also convicted in 2022 for assaulting another individual in 2016, receiving an additional prison sentence of one year and six months.
Reports further suggest that Sretenović should have been serving a prison sentence during 2026, raising questions about his presence at the time of the incident.
Prosecutorial Request
After questioning the suspect in the presence of his legal counsel, prosecutors requested pre-trial detention, citing risk of flight and the possibility that he could repeat the offense if released.
The case has sparked renewed public debate about journalist safety, law enforcement response times, and media freedom in Serbia, particularly regarding incidents involving attacks on media crews during field reporting.
