NUNS: Threats, intimidation against Volim Zrenjanin and Zoomer journalists unacceptable

The threats against Volim Zrenjanin and editor Aleksandar Blanusa first surfaced in the comments section of an article titled “Citizens’ Assemblies: Beer Days Boycott Is Yielding Results.” A user identifying as “Dejan” posted a threatening comment stating, among other things: “There is no cure for you, only a bullet,” NUNS reported.

Shortly after, according to the editorial staff, the portal’s editor received a phone call from a man who identified himself by his full name. During the call, the man made a series of threats, ordering Blanusa to meet him at a specific address in Zrenjanin and threatening to “smash his head.” He also directed vulgar insults and threats at the editor's family, the Association said.

The editorial staff has an audio recording of the conversation. The editor immediately notified the police and the prosecutor’s office, providing them with the recording, the threatening comment, and all other available information.

While a suspect was quickly taken into custody, NUNS is calling on the relevant authorities to prosecute the individual to the full extent of the law to ensure the journalists’ safety.

Zoomer journalist Darko Gligorijevic was also targeted following an appearance on N1 TV. After a segment of the interview was posted on Instagram, a user with the username “natasatrifkanovic” commented: “People, do you actually believe this idiot? He is digging his own grave with these statements.” This was followed by: “How are you not ashamed to come to our town of Dubovac and spread lies? Oh, just come again and see what happens to you.”

NUNS condemned this behavior as entirely unacceptable.

The Association emphasized that journalists exist to report on matters of public interest, and that threats targeting them for their work constitute a serious form of intimidation intended to prevent them from reporting freely and professionally.

“Threats and intimidation against journalists are a grave form of pressure that jeopardizes their safety and their right to work freely,” NUNS stated.

The Association warned that the lack of a swift and effective institutional response only emboldens perpetrators and paves the way for even more serious attacks.

“The intimidation of journalists is a direct attack on media freedom, as it jeopardizes their safety and creates an atmosphere of fear that can seriously hinder or prevent them from carrying out their work without obstruction and reporting to the public on matters of public interest,” NUNS said.