The recent wave of student protests in Serbia has sparked significant government pushback, with accusations of foreign interference being leveled at perceived instigators. Among the targets is Matej Devčić, a Croatian journalist from the portal Telegram.hr, whose personal data was made public by convicted war criminal Vojislav Šešelj, reports The Geopost.
Exposure on Serbian Media
In a broadcast on the “Informer” program, Šešelj disclosed Devčić’s private details, including a photograph of his ID card and information about his accommodation. He accused the journalist of being part of a foreign plot to train protest leaders. The incident has raised serious concerns about journalistic safety, particularly since Devčić suspects the Serbian police or intelligence services may have leaked his data.
The platform SafeJournalists.net condemned the disclosure, highlighting the potential involvement of Serbian security services in the leak. The organization noted that such actions pose a grave threat to press freedom and journalist safety.
Journalist Reaction and EU Concerns
Devčić, now back in Croatia, expressed disbelief at how his personal data became public, suspecting government agencies of involvement. The document in question, he noted, was scanned only by Serbian border police.
The European Union responded by urging Serbian authorities to protect journalists and investigate the misuse of personal data. In a statement, the EU emphasized the importance of media freedom as a cornerstone of democracy and a key element in Serbia’s EU accession process.
“Journalists must work in an environment free from threats, intimidation, or violence,” the EU stressed, warning that Serbia must uphold these principles to advance its integration into the bloc.
Broader Implications
Pro-government media in Serbia have also published the personal data of students accused of organizing protests, alleging connections to the Croatian secret service. This trend of targeting individuals critical of the government has drawn widespread condemnation.
The EU reiterated that unlawful access and publication of personal data is unacceptable and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
The incident reflects broader issues in Serbia regarding media freedom, government transparency, and the protection of personal data. As protests continue, the international community will likely intensify its scrutiny of Serbia’s adherence to democratic norms.
