In its latest monitoring report, ANEM highlights a significant deterioration in the safety of journalists and a troubling decline in professional ethics across the Serbian media landscape.
1. Ethical Violations in Tragedy
The report sharply criticizes the coverage of a student’s death at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade.
- Disregard for Privacy: ANEM states that media outlets failed to respect the dignity of the deceased, prioritizing sensationalism over the right to privacy and “pijetet” (reverence/respect).
- Regulatory Warnings: The Press Council and the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance were forced to issue reminders to journalists regarding their professional responsibility to remain restrained and ethical during tragedies.
2. Violence During Elections and Protests
March was marked by physical dangers for media workers during political events in 10 different cities and municipalities:
- Election Day Attacks: Journalists reported brutal beatings, the prevention of reporting, and the intentional destruction or theft of their equipment.
- Protests at the Rectorate: Media workers were reportedly attacked by both police and unidentified individuals during demonstrations.
- Government Rallies: At ruling party meetings, journalists faced intimidation, insults, and threats of physical damage to their gear.
3. Targeting of Veran Matić and Online Threats
The report highlights a specific campaign against Veran Matić, the Chairman of the ANEM Board.
- Criminal Charges: A criminal complaint has been filed following a post by the “Center for Social Stability” that allegedly jeopardized Matić’s safety.
- Digital Harassment: The association noted a surge in online threats against various journalists, creating a pervasive atmosphere of insecurity in the digital space.
ANEM’s Conclusion: The events of March demonstrate that many media outlets—while carrying the title formally—show zero respect for human dignity or the safety of those reporting from the field.
