Public broadcaster files criminal complaint over blockades

According to the complaint, since the beginning of the blockade, RTS journalists and other employees have been prevented from entering the RTS buildings in central Belgrade and in the Kosutnjak neighborhood, disrupting the broadcaster’s ability to air its programming. The complaint also states that staff have been placed at risk during what RTS described as violent blockades, with police having to escort employees into the buildings, during which they have allegedly been insulted, spat on, and shoved.

In addition, the personal phone numbers of three editors have been shared on social media, and so-called wanted posters targeting certain journalists and editors have been circulated. RTS claims these actions pose a direct threat to the safety and lives of its employees.

The broadcaster has also appealed to international bodies for support, calling for urgent responses from the President of the European Commission, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, OSCE representatives in Serbia, the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, and ODIHR. The RTS has also reached out to international journalist protection organizations and the European Broadcasting Union, it said on its website.