Threats against the life and physical safety of journalists, Vranje news, Vranje, 5.9.2025.

Threats against the life and physical safety of journalists, Vranje news, Vranje, 5.9.2025.

Translations: Beograd 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Belgrade
  • Who was attacked?
    Group
  • Group members' names and surnames
    Redakcija Vranje news
  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Vranje news
  • Type of media platform
    Online Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    Vranje news
  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    05.09.2025
  • City
    Vranje
  • Were authorities informed?
    Case was reported to the Prosecutor’s Office
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Not known
  • Attacked by
    (ordinary) citizens
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    Telephone (Call or sms)
  • Type of incident
    Threats against the lives and physical safety of journalists
  • Type of threat
    Implicit - to journalist(s)
  • Action by the authorities

  • Legal status of the case
    The procedure is in the phase of gathering information about all the circumstances of the case
  • Action taken by the journalists' association

  • Was journalist's association informed by the journalists directly?
    No

The editorial team of Vranje News blocked a social media profile after repeated inappropriate comments and hate speech directed at the outlet. However, the individual continued the harassment and made threats of physical violence during a phone call with a member of the newsroom.

According to Vranje News, during the call, the person said that the next time he sees members of the newsroom in the field, he will approach them, seize and destroy their camera — claiming this would be “reciprocity” for being blocked from commenting on the outlet’s official social media page.

Despite being told multiple times that his actions constitute a threat and that the case would be reported to the police, he responded: “Go ahead, report me.”

Vranje News also stated that the individual had previously called the newsroom three times and even spoke with the editor, but despite receiving a polite explanation, he still issued threats.