Other threats to journalists, Matej Devčić, Belgrade, 16.1.2025.

CJA •︎ 17/01/2025

Other threats to journalists, Matej Devčić, Belgrade, 16.1.2025.

Translations: Zagreb 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Zagreb
  • Who was attacked?
    Journalist
  • Gender
    Male
  • Victim(s) name
    Matej Devčić

  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Telegram.hr
  • Type of media platform
    Online Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    Journalist

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    16.01.2025
  • City
    Belgrade
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Known (suspected)
  • Attacked by
    Politician(s) / political party(ies) (other than public officials)
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    Through media outlets (broadcast, print, online)
  • Type of incident
    Other threats to journalists
  • Type of threat
    Aggressive, harassing or discriminatory statements

  • Action by the authorities

  • Type of violation
    Security threat

  • Action taken by the journalists' association

  • Was journalist's association informed by the journalists directly?
    Yes
  • What was the reaction of the journalists' association?
    The association reacted publicly
    The association sent a letter of concern to the institutions
    The association informed international organizations and institutions

In Serbia, large student protests are currently underway, provoking strong reactions from the government led by President Aleksandar Vučić. In an attempt to discredit the protests, the authorities have resorted to accusations against “foreign enemies,” blaming them for inciting the unrest. One of the targets of such accusations is Matej Devčić, a journalist from the Croatian news portal Telegram.hr, who was in Serbia on a reporting assignment.

Devčić became a victim of public targeting when Vojislav Šešelj, a convicted war criminal, revealed his personal information on the program of the television station Informer. This included broadcasting an image of Devčić’s ID card, alongside allegations that he was part of a group “training” protest leaders. During the broadcast, the station also disclosed details about his accommodation, directly endangering his safety.

This incident has caused shock and concern, particularly due to the possibility that the journalist’s personal data was obtained and shared with the media through the involvement of Serbian police or intelligence services, further highlighting the gravity of the situation.