PNP expresses concern over threats Jovanović: Freedom of the media is the foundation of every democratic society

The People's Trust Movement (PNP) announced that, in response to a new wave of online threats, insults and targeting of investigative journalist Jelena Jovanović, they express concern about the continued threat to her personal integrity and safety, as well as the broader negative impact that such attacks have on media freedom and democratic processes in society.

According to them, such actions, which include hate speech, misogynistic narratives, public discrediting and intimidation campaigns, represent an unacceptable form of pressure on journalists who report professionally and in the public interest on topics of social importance.

"It is particularly worrying that such attacks are repeated, specifically targeting all women in public spaces, and that they have not been sufficiently sanctioned so far, which creates an atmosphere of impunity and additional encouragement for perpetrators. Freedom of the media and the public's right to be informed are the foundation of every democratic society. In this context, the role of investigative journalism is of key importance, as it contributes to exposing abuses, strengthening the accountability of institutions, and strengthening citizens' trust in the rule of law," the PNP stressed.

The state and competent institutions have a clear obligation to ensure efficient, timely and decisive protection of journalists from all forms of threats and violence, as well as to demonstrate through concrete measures that such attacks will not be tolerated.

"It is particularly important that each case is investigated in detail, and the perpetrators are adequately sanctioned in accordance with the law. Of further concern is the fact that women in journalism, but also all women in public spaces, are often exposed to specific forms of attack, including sexist and discriminatory messages, which points to a broader problem of gender-based violence in public spaces," the statement said.

They called on the Ministry of Justice, the Government and the Parliament to adopt amendments to the Criminal Code as soon as possible, so that gender-based hate speech against journalists and all women in public spaces would be explicitly recognized and punished as a criminal offense, which, they said, would further strengthen institutional protection and send a clear message of zero tolerance for such phenomena.

"Criticism of the media and journalists is legitimate in a democratic society, but must remain within the framework of reasoned public debate. Any departure from these frameworks, which includes threats, insults or calls for violence, does not represent freedom of expression, but rather its gross form of abuse. Therefore, we once again appeal to the competent institutions to react urgently, ensure the protection of journalist Jelena Jovanović and send a clear message that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated, because protecting journalists also means protecting the rights of all citizens to truth, transparency and a free society," it concludes.