Serbian press group urges prosecution of threats against Vranje news outlet

The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) has asked Serbian prosecutors to act urgently on threats directed at the editorial staff of the online portal "Slobodna reč" in Vranje. The threats, posted in a Facebook comment beneath an article about a pride caravan, were signed by a user named Slađan Ristić, who promised physical violence and warned the authors they would "receive beatings." ANEM reported the threat to the specialized prosecutor for high‑technology crime and called for the perpetrator to be identified and prosecuted so that journalists feel safe while performing their duties.

ANEM said the intimidation reflects a wider pattern of pressure on local media ahead of upcoming elections, noting that such an atmosphere endangers media freedom, freedom of expression and citizens' right to timely, quality information. The association urged journalists to report any threats using its free hotline (0800 100 115) to ensure incidents are documented and attract domestic and international attention.