The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the attack on N1 TV cameraman Marjan Vučetić in the village of Makovište near Kosjerić, as well as the detention of photojournalist Gavrilo Andrić during a civic protest and blockade of the court and prosecutor’s office in Novi Sad.
As Andrić told IJAS, he was photographing events at several checkpoints in front of the court when he found himself between a police cordon and a fence, during which he was physically pressed by police officers. After the police retreated, he followed their movements and continued photographing the situation, wearing a helmet clearly marked with the word “press”.
“At one point, they asked me for a press ID, which I do not have, and then they decided to detain me for identification purposes, even though I tried to prevent that by offering my personal ID card, which they had not previously requested. Nevertheless, they decided to take me in. They mentioned both identification and insulting the police,” Andrić said in a statement to IJAS.
No legal proceedings were initiated at the police station, and Andrić was released after giving a statement. During his detention, police conduct was, according to him, appropriate.
IJAS believes that Andrić’s detention was unnecessary and constitutes a form of pressure on journalists and media workers reporting from protests. It is particularly concerning that he had already offered his personal ID as a valid identification document, leaving no justification for his detention.
We remind the authorities that the police are obligated to perform their duties conscientiously, professionally, and in accordance with the law, without excessive use of force or intimidation of citizens, students, or field reporters.
A second incident today occurred in the village of Makovište near Kosjerić, when N1 TV cameraman Marjan Vučetić was attacked. He was struck several times in the back while attempting to record an event in a tent where the president of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), Miloš Vučević, was present.
“When I was filming Mr. Vučević, an unknown individual approached me from behind and struck me forcefully in front of Vučević. Several others joined in. They cursed, called me a traitor, a foreign mercenary, yellow scum… The person who started the assault is the president of the local community Vučević was visiting,” Vučetić told IJAS.
He added that the incident was reported to the police, the attacker was identified, and he was told the perpetrator would be brought in.
IJAS strongly condemns this attack and calls on the relevant authorities to take action and apprehend all attackers. We also urge law enforcement bodies to ensure the safety of journalists and other media workers carrying out their duties and reporting on matters of public interest.
IJAS will record both incidents and inform relevant international organizations working on the protection of media freedom and human rights.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, May 16, 2025