Serbia trial begins for accused attacker of journalist Nataša Mijušković

The trial has commenced for Jelenko Pijevac, accused of attacking Insajder journalist Nataša Mijušković in front of the Serbian National Assembly. According to prosecution documents, Pijevac and several others allegedly threatened Mijušković, telling her to ‘take the phone out of your pocket so we don't break all your bones,’ and physically restrained her until she deleted her recordings.

Veran Matić, president of ANEM, stated that there have been 35 recorded attacks on journalists in the area known as ‘Ćacilend’ over the past 18 months. Matić attributed the responsibility for this violence to President Aleksandar Vučić, describing the group of individuals acting as self-appointed guards as ‘loyalists’ who operate in a manner similar to a paramilitary or para-police group.

During the hearing, Pijevac exhibited aggressive behavior toward camera crews and used derogatory language toward media outlets. He claimed that he and others are ‘patriots’ who arrive at the location voluntarily. Reports from ANEM also suggest that police presence in the area has often served to protect these individuals rather than the journalists or activists being targeted.