RSF calls Serbian authorities to support public right to information

RSF said in a press release on the anniversary of the killing of Serbian newspaper publisher Slavko Curuvija that the case is “emblematic of the impunity of crimes against journalists in Serbia” and embodies ongoing threats. “As in 1999, independent media have to compete with outlets that spread propaganda, most recently on the war in Ukraine,” it said.

“We ask officials elected in Serbia’s presidential and parliamentary election to rise to this historic challenge and to adopt strong proactive policies with regard to the right to information and press freedom. If politicians take ownership of our recommendations, they will strengthen both the prospects of Serbia’s application to join the European Union, and the European project’s ability to withstand global threats,” Pavol Szalai, the head of RSF’s EU and Balkans is quoted as saying.

It said that the recent elections could breathe new life into the defence of reliable and quality journalism. “While the results of the elections are not yet confirmed, RSF is submitting ten specific recommendations of a political, judicial and regulatory nature - prepared in cooperation with Serbian experts - for public debate and for implementation by the future president, prime minister and members of the Parliament,” RSF said.

It said the Serbian authorities need to Systematically and publicly condemn smear attempts and verbal attacks, especially when perpetrated by politicians, including members of their own parties; demonstrate zero tolerance for politicians who attack the media; respond to all questions and requests for information from the media in an equitable manner. This will contribute to pluralistic, honest and balanced media coverage; propose legislation that extends access to state-held information and protects journalists against gag suits; ensure that prosecutors are given binding instructions to take urgent action in cases of violence against journalists and media, and ensure that they carry out these instructions promptly and regularly; allocate adequate financial and human resources to the commission tasked with investigating the murders of journalists Slavko Curuvija, Radislava Dada Vujasinovic and Milan Pantic, and provide the commission with unrestricted access to state documentation, in order to solve these cases and bring them to justice; ensure that the commission’s investigations into these killings lead to effective legal proceedings (indictments) by the prosecutor’s office; ensure that the Electronic Media Regulator (REM) is impartial and effective; allocate government grants to the media equitably; allocate national broadcast frequencies in a manner that is transparent and free of political influence and only to media that respect the Journalists’ Code of Ethics.