PEN International: Protect writer and journalist Marko Vidojkovic

Marko Vidojković
N1/arhiva

PEN International has written to Veran Matic, the Chairman of the Commission for Investigating Killings of Journalists and member of the Working Group for the Security and Protection of Journalists, in connection with the threats against and relocation of journalist and writer Marko Vidojkovic.

The letter reads as follows:

“Veran Matic

Chairman of the Commission for Investigating Killings of Journalists

Member of the Working Group for the Security and Protection of Journalists of the Government of Serbia
Member of the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists Republic of Serbia

2 March 2023

Re: Protection of writer and journalist Marko Vidojkovic

Dear Veran Matic,

I am writing on behalf of PEN International, the world association of writers dedicated to promoting literature and defending freedom of expression, to express our grave concerns regarding threats made to writer and journalist Marko Vidojkovic. We are respectfully asking for your support in ensuring the Serbian authorities consider Vidojkovic’s case with due diligence, find the perpetrators and ensure his safety.

The death threats against writer and journalist Marko Vidojkovic have intensified since the publication of his best-selling novel Djubre (Trash), in September 2020. Vidojkovic said he received over 50 death threats in 2021 and 2022 and reported more than 20 of them to the Prosecutor’s Office through lawyers working with Nezavisno udruženje novinara Srbije (NUNS), resulting in only two criminal convictions. Anonymous threats depicted him being shot in the head, burned or beaten to death, hanged, having his tongue cut out, and having his arms broken so he could no longer write. Vidojkovic reported being publicly smeared on numerous occasions by some government officials and pro-government outlets from 2019 onwards, with such outlets coordinating targeted campaigns against him – thus giving rise to online abuse and death threats. Vidojkovic also told PEN International that Aleksandar Sapic, vice-president of the ruling SNS and mayor of Belgrade, is harassing him legally through three lawsuits that further undermine his security and financial position.

Already in June 2021, Teresa Ribeiro, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, called for an immediate investigation into the death threats directed at Marko Vidojkovic, highlighting the risks that online violence poses to the safety of journalists and their ability to carry out their work, free from self-censorship.

In January 2023, PEN International published a statement condemning the threats against Marko Vidojković and urging the Serbian authorities to take all the necessary steps to identify those responsible and hold them to account. Considering that Vidojkovic’s life was under serious threat, PEN International assisted his prompt evacuation and relocation; he and his family are currently in a safe location.

The continuing threats against Marko Vidojkovic come in the wake of sustained attacks against writers and journalists in Serbia, orchestrated by various actors, who aim to silence their work and critical reporting. As a member of the Council of Europe’s Platform to Promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists, PEN International welcomed the establishment of the Working Group for the Security and Protection of Journalists of the Government of Serbia in December 2020.2 Such initiative provides a useful mechanism for civil society organisations to establish a direct link with policy makers and raise proposals on legal reform, and we trust that the Working Group is doing everything in its power to better ensure journalists’ safety.

However, political will and more engagement by the relevant state institutions are necessary to change the existing situation on the ground. PEN International expresses concern over the fact that representatives of the authorities in Serbia do not sufficiently contribute to the creation of an environment suitable for media pluralism, including through clear and consistent public condemnations of all threats to writers and journalists and more effective investigations of cases of threats to their safety.

PEN International would be grateful for your support in obtaining an update on the steps taken by relevant government institutions to address the continuing threats against Marko Vidojkovic, and ensuring he can do his work free from harassment and attacks.

Your sincerely,

Romana Cacchioli, Executive Director PEN International”