English version below
EESK izražava duboku zabrinutost i solidarnost sa redakcijom medijske kuće N1 nakon nedavnih izveštaja o pretnjama smrću koje su im upućene. Prema podacima OEBS-a, ovo je samo jedan u nizu incidenata u proteklim nedeljama i mesecima usmerenih protiv novinara i medijskih kuća u Srbiji. Ovo je deo šireg i zabrinjavajućeg trenda sve većeg pritiska na nezavisne medije na Zapadnom Balkanu.
Ovi činovi zastrašivanja, usmereni protiv novinara zbog njihovog profesionalnog i uredničkog rada, predstavljaju direktne napade na slobodu medija i demokratske vrednosti. EESK najoštrije osuđuje svaki govor i delovanje koje doprinosi atmosferi straha ili neprijateljstva prema medijskim profesionalcima.
Očuvanje slobode novinarstva nije samo pitanje od nacionalnog značaja, već evropski imperativ. Kako je Srbija kandidat za članstvo u EU, pozivamo vlasti da potvrde svoju posvećenost evropskim vrednostima tako što će obezbediti okruženje u kojem novinari mogu slobodno da rade, bez straha i zastrašivanja.
Nezavisno novinarstvo je od ključnog značaja za demokratsku odgovornost i ljudska prava. Profesionalni integritet i posvećenost nezavisnom izveštavanju principi su koji moraju biti zaštićeni.
Pozivamo srpske vlasti da sprovedu temeljnu istragu povodom pretnji, da obezbede bezbednost novinara i osoblja N1, kao i da preduzmu sve neophodne korake kako bi se sprečilo dalje neprijateljstvo prema medijima.
EESK čvrsto stoji uz sve one koji brane slobodu izražavanja u izazovnim uslovima i nastaviće pomno da prati razvoj situacije. Ostaje otvoren za dijalog sa nacionalnim institucijama i akterima civilnog društva u Srbiji.
European Economic and Social Committee's solidarity with professional journalists in Serbia
Statement by Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Paul Soete, Ozlem Yildirim, and Christian Moos, EESC Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group Presidency
The EESC expresses its deep concern and solidarity with the editorial team at media outlet N1 following recent reports of death threats against them. According to the OSCE this is only one of many incidents in recent weeks and months targeting journalists and media outlets in Serbia. This is part of a broader and worrying trend of increasing pressure on independent media in the Western Balkans.
These acts of intimidation, aimed at journalists for their professional and editorial work, are direct attacks on press freedom and democratic values. The EESC firmly condemns any rhetoric or action that contributes to an atmosphere of fear or hostility toward media professionals.
Safeguarding journalistic freedom is not only a matter of national concern, but a European imperative. As Serbia is a candidate for EU accession, we urge the authorities to reaffirm their commitment to European values by ensuring a climate in which journalists can work freely, without fear or intimidation.
Independent journalism is vital for democratic accountability and human rights. Professional integrity and commitment to independent reporting are principles that must be safeguarded.
We urge the Serbian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the threats, ensure the safety of N1 journalists and staff, and take all necessary steps to prevent further hostility toward the press.
The EESC stands firmly with all those who defend freedom of expression under challenging conditions and will continue to monitor developments closely. It remains available for dialogue with national institutions and civil society actors in Serbia.