"Adria News" from Luxembourg, the provider of the N1 media service in Serbia, assessed today that the creation of "an atmosphere of lynching and unpunished targeting of journalists" represents a "classic characteristic of dictatorial regimes", which creates a direct security threat for N1 journalists.
The media outlet stated in a statement that institutional actors who remained silent or participated in this campaign will bear full responsibility if any of their colleagues are physically attacked.
The statement condemns "frequent and orchestrated attacks on journalists and editors with whom it collaborates," adding that the situation has been deteriorating for years according to all relevant international reviews of media freedoms.
N1 adds that "another line was recently crossed," after Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić publicly labeled certain media outlets as "terrorist."
"After a multi-day propaganda campaign that followed, the pro-regime tabloid Informer opened a new chapter in the pressure on independent media in the Republic of Serbia, openly calling for the criminal prosecution of N1 journalists and editors for alleged 'public support for the overthrow of the constitutional order'. This is brutal manipulation and a false accusation without any legal or factual basis... Regime tabloids, politicians and now even holders of the highest judicial positions are consciously fueling tensions and inciting the public against the media whose only 'offense' is that they professionally inform citizens," reads a statement published on the N1 website.
N1 recalls that unauthorized interference with the work of the media, especially by officials, abuse of official position and negligent work in the service, as well as violation of the law by a judge, public prosecutor and his deputy, are not only prohibited, but also constitute grounds for criminal liability of individuals who might commit such acts.
"While everyone has the right to criticize or disagree with editorial policy, the abuse of state coercion or the legal framework to influence media positions and prevent the free flow of information represents a line that cannot be crossed. The whole of Europe is watching and such a step would not be without consequences," the statement added.
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