The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the dangerous manipulations and threats directed at journalists and students by the Serbian authorities, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, in the midst of large-scale protests in Serbia. This pressure culminated in the public exposure of the security risk of Matej Devčić, a journalist of the Telegram.hr portal, who was reporting from Serbia.
According to available information, Vojislav Šešelj, a convicted war criminal, published the personal data of Devčić in the Informer television program. The television broadcast Devčić’s identity card with the claim that he is part of the foreign “trainers” of the protest leaders, and the address of the hotel where he was staying was also published.
Journalist Matej Devčić stated that he was shocked by these untrue and dangerous accusations and the publication of his personal data. The question that remains is – how did tabloid television and a convicted war criminal come into possession of his personal data? This situation points to the suspicion of the possible participation of the Serbian police or intelligence services, which further aggravates this case.
The SafeJournalists Network calls on the competent institutions of the Republic of Serbia to urgently investigate and publish who made the journalists’ personal data available and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.
The Network welcomes the reaction of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, which condemned this behavior. We also call on the Croatian authorities, including the President of the Republic of Croatia, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Culture and Media, to publicly condemn this act and take all necessary measures to protect the safety of Croatian citizens residing in Serbia.
The SafeJournalists Network will inform relevant national and international stakeholders.
Every attack on journalists is an attack on the public interest, democracy, and the rights of all citizens.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, 17.1.2025
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
Association BH Journalists
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro