Other threats to journalists, Milena Zajović, Zagreb, 18.6.2026.

On 18 June 2026, Member of Parliament and President of the Most party, Nikola Grmoja, publicly attacked Večernji list journalist Milena Zajović on his Facebook profile over her opinion piece in which she critically analysed his political statements regarding a performance staged at the International Street Wizards Festival in Istria. In his post, Grmoja published the journalist’s photograph, questioned her professional integrity by referring to her as “an activist pretending to be an independent journalist,” and accused her of defending content that he considered unacceptable. He concluded the post by stating that people could now see “what kind of people we have in the media” and that he was pleased that “the ‘beasts’ leave their mark,” thereby further fuelling negative reactions against the journalist.

Following a statement issued by the Croatian Journalists’ Association (CJA) condemning his conduct, Grmoja published another video on Facebook on 27 June 2026, in which he continued to target the journalist and question her professional integrity instead of responding to the arguments presented in her opinion piece.

This case constitutes political pressure and the public discrediting of a journalist rather than legitimate criticism of her work. Instead of responding to the content of the article, Grmoja publicly challenged the journalist’s professional integrity and credibility, using his public platform and social media presence to expose her to negative reactions and mobilise his supporters against her. His actions resulted in a campaign of online harassment, insults and threats directed at the journalist.