UNS calls for prosecution of N1 news crew attackers

During the protest blockade, several men in hoodies appeared and began arguing with the protesters. Mirkovic told UNS that one of the men pushed her from behind, causing pain severe enough that she plans to seek medical attention.

While this was the most serious incident, it was not the only attack she faced that evening, UNS reported.

As the crew attempted to film the commotion, one of the protesters reportedly struck Mirkovic’s hand.

“They started arguing with the citizens, and then chaos erupted into a full-on brawl. When my colleague Aleksandar Cvrkotic and I got closer to film what was happening, and one of the men hit me on my right hand and the microphone, knocking off the N1 label,” Mirkovic explained.

The attacks continued across the intersection, where a young man shoved Mirkovic from behind in her left shoulder.

“I remember he was wearing a hoodie, and that’s all I saw. Afterward, several masked young men approached me and got in my face. The hit my colleague Aleksandar Cvrkotic’s camera multiple times. I have been working for over 10 years, my colleague and I have covered many protests, but I have never experienced anything like this,” she added.

N1 TV reported the incident to the authorities.

Mirkovic said the Prosecutor's Office contacted her saying they plan to open a case as soon as possible and take her statement.

UNS urges the Prosecutor's Office to investigate the violence against their colleagues and initiate proceedings against those responsible, which would send a clear message that violence against journalists is both punishable and unacceptable.