Journalists report obstruction during Aleksandar Vučić campaign visits

Journalists in Serbia reported being obstructed from covering recent visits by Aleksandar Vučić during his election campaign.

In Ruma, Jovan Kerešić of Radio Dir was detained by police for four hours for an ‘informative talk’ at the request of the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office. Kerešić stated that a municipal inspector, whom he claims is a member of the SNS party, had falsely reported him for allegedly intending to provoke others with stones.

In Bački Gradište, Kristina Demeter Filipčev of Bečejski mozaik was prevented from approaching a public event. Despite wearing a press vest and carrying identification, she was blocked by plainclothes police officers and an unidentified man. She was only permitted to film from a distance of approximately 20 meters.

The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) condemned these actions, describing them as unacceptable discrimination and an abuse of police power to prevent journalists from performing their professional duties. ANEM President Veran Matić suggested the restrictions were intended to prevent journalists from asking questions regarding unfulfilled political promises.