The High Court in Belgrade continued proceedings today in the lawsuit filed by former Minister of Agriculture Jelena Tanasković against the investigative portal KRIK. Sofija Parojčić, the journalist and author of the investigative report at the center of the dispute, provided testimony defending the integrity of her work.
The lawsuit concerns a KRIK investigation detailing the dismissal of a criminal complaint against Tanasković for alleged financial crimes. The complaint dates back to her tenure as a director at the private company “Prvi faktor.”
Evidence Based on State Documents
During her testimony, Parojčić emphasized that the article was not based on speculation but on official documentation. “The text is based on documents from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) and the Prosecution for Organized Crime, as well as additional verifications and contacts with the companies mentioned in the complaint,” Parojčić stated.
A key point of the investigation involved the Service for Combating Organized Crime (SBPOK), which handled the case. At the time, SBPOK was led by Ninoslav Cmolić, the husband of Minister Irena Vujović—who was Tanasković’s superior and close associate. KRIK reported that the prosecution issued 16 reminders to the police regarding the case, yet the police conducted limited checks, failed to interview Tanasković, and eventually concluded there was no criminal act.
Court Blocks Questions on Sources and Editing
The hearing was marked by several interventions from the judge, who repeatedly blocked questions from Tanasković’s legal counsel. The prohibited questions focused on:
- Editorial Decisions: How specific information was selected for publication.
- Source Protection: Efforts to uncover the journalist’s confidential sources.
- Timeline Logic: Specifically, the personal relationship between Cmolić and Vujović at the time the police report was signed.
Parojčić clarified that KRIK followed standard journalistic practice by contacting Tanasković for comment before publication. She reiterated that the article focused on the content of the criminal complaint and the documented actions (or lack thereof) by the police, rather than making direct accusations of personal misconduct.
A Pattern of Legal Pressure
Tanasković claims the article was inaccurate and intended to “criminalize” her. However, media rights groups often cite this case as an example of a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation)—a legal tactic used by powerful figures to silence investigative journalism. Notably, Tanasković was recently shortlisted for the “SLAPPer of the Year” award by media organizations.
The trial is set to continue on October 21, 2026, with the testimony of KRIK’s Editor-in-Chief, Stevan Dojčinović. Tanasković has also filed a separate second lawsuit against the portal for reporting on the fact that she sued them.
