OSCE’s Ribeiro to Serbian FM: Journalists’ safety a priority

Ribeiro is reported by the bezbedninovinari.rs portal to have said in an October 14 letter to Selakovic that she is pleased to not positive developments in processing two cases of attacks on journalists in Serbia – the death threats against Drvotehnika magazine editor Dragojlo Blagojevic who exposed price fixing in the sale of lumber from state-owned woods and the threats made against OK Radio staff following that media outlets disclosure of the illegal construction of a gambling club.

Ribeiro also praised the quick response and efforts by the working group on the safety of journalists which tackled those cases in cooperation with law enforcement bodies.

She said that an end to impunity for attacks on media staff is a necessary step in securing a safe and free media environment and build trust in public institutions. She called the authorities to implement the national Media Strategy immediately to strengthen the media scene and improve safety for journalists.