Serbia: School Principal Files Police Complaint Against Ivana Jovanovic
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom condemns attempt to criminalize the reporter for exposing an important story for the local community
Location: Serbia, Bujanovac
Date: January 18, 2024
Elementary school principal files police report against journalist Ivana Jovanovic in retaliation for her critical report on the school's dilapidated conditions. The accusations, centered on allegations of upsetting parents and unauthorized presence on the premises, appear to be dubious attempts aimed at undermining Jovanovic's credibility. The decision to file the police report suggests potential political interference, as concerns are raised about political figures pressuring the school to suppress unfavorable media coverage. In a country where journalists face frequent attacks, threats, and smear campaigns for challenging the government's narrative, the Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the apparent effort by a state institution to target and discredit a reporter. This action, potentially influenced by political figures, highlights the relentless pressure faced by independent Serbian journalists. We urge the principal of "Branko Radicevic" elementary school in Bujanovac to immediately retract his complaint against Jovanovic.
A reporter with a local news outlet in southern Serbia, Ivana Jovanovic, is facing a police investigation for her reporting on the substandard conditions at Branko Radicevic Elementary School. Jovanovic was questioned by officers on January 18, 2024, after the principal of the school she investigated filed a police complaint against her.
Jovanovic's reporting for Bujanovacke revealed the shoddy standards of the school premises that resulted from inadequate reconstruction efforts. The piece featured alarming details, such as a collapsing ceiling in the school's toilets, accompanied by a compelling photograph. Prior to publishing, Jovanovic spoke to the school's principal, Nenad Tasić, who acknowledged various issues with the reconstruction and expressed an intent to report them to the authorities. Despite this, Tasić proceeded to file a police report against the journalist.
The police complaint claims Jovanovic's article had distressed some parents whose children attended a different local school. It also alleged that Jovanovic had been on the premises without authorization. The journalist disputes this assertion, maintaining that she had introduced herself to the workers present, none of whom raised any objections about her taking photographs.
The Independent Journalists Association of Serbia (IJAS) has called upon the school principal to withdraw the report, emphasizing the importance of allowing journalists to carry out their work unimpeded for the benefit of the public. Expressing concern over potential political interference, IJAS suggests that the principal’s actions may be driven by external pressure from higher political authorities uncomfortable with media coverage highlighting issues in Bujanovac.
Press freedom in Serbia is facing an escalating threat, exacerbated by challenges related to the rule of law and corruption. The President of the country, Aleksandar Vučić, and his party, SNS, are tightening their control over media outlets, both state-owned and privately held entities aligned with the ruling party. Many of these media outlets have transformed into propaganda platforms that serve the interests of the regime. In contrast, the space for independent and critical journalism has significantly diminished. The hostile environment created by the government has led to an increase in attacks, verbal assaults, and intimidation against journalists. This trend poses a significant concern for local news coverage, as journalists face pressure and discrediting when investigating corruption within state institutions. Without the support of national publications, local media often resort to self-censorship due to fear of reprisals.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom expresses solidarity with Ivana Jovanovic. The allegations of potential political interference, leading to the principal resorting to involving the police, are deeply troubling. Jovanovic was reporting on a local school in Bujanovac, covering a story of significant consequence for the community. She should not face repercussions for her commitment to exposing the negligence surrounding the school's reconstruction, a matter directly impacting the lives of students and teachers. We firmly call upon Nenad Tasić to immediately retract his police complaint against Jovanovic.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help women career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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