Journalist verbally attacked at SNS campaign tent in Niš — MRCN newsroom reports case to police

Journalist Magdalena Kostić of the Center for Media and Reform (MRCN) was verbally attacked today while filming the campaign tent of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) at the Durlan market in Niš and trying to do a vox pop with citizens ahead of the October 25 parliamentary elections.

According to the newsroom, several men near the tent surrounded the journalist, chased her off public space, got in her face and photographed and filmed her, telling her she was “provoking” — even after she showed them her press card. She was prevented from doing her journalistic duty and felt unsafe.

The case has been reported to the police. The Center for Media and Reform condemned the incident and called on all election participants to condemn such behavior and let the media do their job.

Attacks on journalists during election campaigns raise serious concerns about media freedom and working conditions for field journalists in Serbia. Media organizations stress that obstructing the work of the press, especially during election periods, undermines the public’s right to be informed.

Parliamentary elections in Serbia will be held on October 25, while the campaign is unfolding in a tense political climate.

Source: Danas