Other threats to journalists, Pero Smolčić, Split, 24.2.2025.

CJA •︎ 25/02/2025

Other threats to journalists, Pero Smolčić, Split, 24.2.2025.

Translations: Zagreb 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

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

  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Slobodna Dalmacija
  • Type of media platform
    Printed Media
    Online Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    Slobodna Dalmacija

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    24.02.2025
  • City
    Split
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Known (suspected)
  • Attacked by
    Public person(s)
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    Other means of incidents and attacks
  • Type of incident
    Other threats to journalists
  • Type of threat
    Other

  • Action by the authorities

  • Type of violation
    Other

  • 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

HNK Hajduk Split has permanently revoked the accreditation of journalist and editor Pero Smolčić for the press lounge and the media section at Poljud Stadium, citing the club’s internal regulations. The club requested that the journalist return the accreditation, emphasizing that it is the property of Hajduk.

This move sparked a reaction from Slobodna Dalmacija, which called the decision “a disgrace for a people’s club” and suggested that Hajduk’s president, Ivan Bilić, made the decision for political or repressive reasons.

This is an example of a broader conflict between sports clubs and the media, where clubs sometimes seek to control the narrative, while journalists insist on independent reporting. Revoking accreditation can only be justified if a journalist deliberately causes proven harm, with a clear explanation. Disagreement with their writing or opinions should not be grounds for banning them from reporting. This decision was made without justification and sets a precedent that leads to arbitrariness and threatens press freedom.