Serbia: Journalists Targeted Amid Election Fraud Allegations in Serbia
Unidentified person followed Žaklina Tatalović, while police clashed with protesters, raising concerns over press freedom and democratic integrity.
Location: Serbia, Belgrade
Date: December 22, 2023
During recent protests in Serbia against alleged election fraud, journalist Žaklina Tatalović from TV N1, who was reporting on the rally, was followed by an unidentified person on a motorcycle. The incident was reported to the police, who are currently investigating the matter. The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom strongly supports Žaklina Tatalović and condemns the targeting of journalists who are simply carrying out their professional responsibilities. We demand that those responsible for the intimidation tactics against the journalist be held accountable for their actions. Press freedom and the safety of journalists must be protected, and any attempts to silence or intimidate them must be met with swift and decisive action.
In Serbia's capital, large crowds have been assembling, voicing their discontent with President Aleksandar Vucic's populist administration by chanting "Thieves!" They accuse the government of orchestrating a fraudulent general election. The rallies have been fueled by widespread reports of irregularities during the parliamentary and local ballot held on December 17, 2023.
International election observers also acknowledged these irregularities. While the ruling Serbian Progressive Party was declared the winner, the main opposition alliance, Serbia Against Violence, has accused them of stealing the election, particularly in the vote for the Belgrade city authorities.
On December 22, journalist Žaklina Tatalović and her team from TV N1 were present at a protest, providing coverage of the ongoing demonstrations.. During their return from the field, the N1 team, traveling in an official marked car, was persistently followed by an unidentified person on a motorcycle with Belgrade license plates. Upon reaching journalist Žaklina Tatalović's street, the motorcyclist circled the N1 vehicle before driving away in the opposite direction, even though it was a one-way street. The motorcyclist then returned and circled the vehicle once more before taking off.
Concerned about the situation, the N1 team initially left the street but later decided to return to assess whether the motorcyclist was still present. To their surprise, they found the person had dismounted from the motorcycle and was now walking in front of the entrance. The TV N1 crew remained inside their vehicle, observing the unfolding events. Suddenly, the motorcyclist mounted their bike once again and began approaching the N1 vehicle from the opposite direction.
According to available information, the police have successfully identified the person involved, and the investigation is currently ongoing.
The fact that the N1 team was followed for a significant period of time, with the motorcyclist even circling their vehicle, is deeply troubling. This incident is not an isolated occurrence. Amidst the protests, a live broadcast team from Al Jazeera encountered an unprovoked attack by police officials. Jelena Glušac, a reporter for Al Jazeera, personally witnessed a distressing event where a police officer forcefully restrained the cameraman, preventing him from documenting the arrest of protesters on December 24.
Nova.rs journalist Andrija Lazarevic also faced police brutality as an officer struck his hand with a baton, while a Beta agency photojournalist narrowly escaped an attempt to snatch his camera. In another incident, N1 news channel journalist Mladen Savatović was physically attacked during a live program.
Since December 17, Serbia Against Violence has been at the forefront of daily protests, demanding the nullification and rerun of the election. Tensions have escalated significantly following violent incidents and the arrest of opposition supporters during a protest last weekend.
These press attacks raise serious concerns about the safety and security of journalists in Serbia. They not only put the safety of journalists at risk but also undermine the fundamental principles of press freedom and freedom of expression. It is essential that journalists are able to carry out their work without fear of intimidation or harassment.
CFWIJ will continue to diligently monitor the unfolding situation in Serbia.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Žaklina Tatalović and all journalists who face threats and harassment while carrying out their important work. We demand that a thorough and transparent investigation takes place to identify the people responsible and hold them accountable for their actions. These attacks not only violate the rights of journalists but also hinder the public's right to access information and hold those in power accountable. The role of journalists in a democratic society cannot be overstated.
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 female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.
