ANEM: Police to ensure uninterrupted operations for media on November 1

ANEM recalled that, in August and September alone, there were 22 attacks on female and male journalists by the police while they were reporting from public rallies, and prior to that, police failed to respond to cases of physical and verbal attacks on media representatives by aggressors. On several occasions, representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs removed journalists from events instead of allowing them to work freely.

ANEM calls on journalists to apply the recommendations and advice of domestic and international journalism and media organizations while reporting from public rallies, to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of their colleagues, to carry their press credentials and vests, and to bring protective equipment with them.

We urge journalists to show mutual solidarity, considering that inadequate protection from the relevant authorities has been noted in recent months, and it is crucial for professional media workers to stick together, support, and assist one another, ANEM said in a press release.

In an atmosphere of social crises, media reporting on protests is essential, as these are events of public interest. This is one of the fundamental tasks and roles of journalism in democratic societies, and the state is obliged to ensure the unhindered operation of the media and to protect media workers from any threats that may jeopardize their safety and the adequate performance of their work in the field, ANEM added.

ANEM also calls on journalists and media representatives to regularly report any threats to their safety while performing their duties. All journalists have access to a free phone number and a direct line to ANEM at 0800 100 115, where media representatives can receive explanations about the legal treatment of offenses and the procedures that need to be initiated to report safety threats to the relevant institutions, police, and prosecution.

Media representatives have access to the emergency phone number of the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS) at 060 688 22 31, while from November 1, journalists can contact the Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS) at 063 8760 082, 064 9410 489, 064 0623 865, 063 1661 800, and 063 315 246.

The Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (NDNV) will open its doors on November 1 from 9 am at its offices in Novi Sad (Sutjeska 2, entrance 8, SPENS building) for media teams reporting from the commemorative gathering, where they will be on duty alongside NUNS representatives.

Veran Matic, President of the ANEM Management Board, member of the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists, and one of the operators on the Safe Line for Journalists 0800 100 115

The project “System for the Prevention of Violence and Protection of Journalists” is implemented by ANEM in partnership with Insajder TV and the Center for the Development of Local Media, supported by the European Union, the Balkan Fund for Democracy, and the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia.

The OSCE Mission to Serbia has supported ANEM's project “24/7 SOS Hotline for Assistance to Journalists and Other Vulnerable Media Workers,” as part of the EU-funded project “Strengthening Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom in Serbia.”