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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Working Group for Security, Protection of Journalists held

Belgrade, 15 December 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic held a regular monthly meeting today with members of the Working Group for Security and Protection of Journalists.

At the beginning of the meeting, Brnabic pointed out that this working group, which was formed in December last year, had good results and initiatives, that it was confirmed as a good format for dialogue and resolving open issues, but that it is necessary to continue working with representatives of all media and journalist associations on the overall improvement of the safety of journalists.

Deputy Republic Public Prosecutor Branko Stamenkovic presented information on current cases conducted by public prosecutor's offices in connection with criminal acts, which were committed to the detriment of the safety of journalists.

Stamenkovic said that four new cases were formed in November, and from January to the end of November this year, 71 cases, of which 22 were found to have no elements of a crime.

All participants in the meeting agreed that fast and concrete actions of the Ministry of the Interior and the Prosecutor's Office and the constant communication they have with the representatives of media and journalist associations are extremely important.

Member of the Working Group Veran Matic reported on the work of the SOS hotline, and said that there were more than 20 calls in the past month, most of which were related to journalists reporting at the protest.

Matic pointed out that the system of reporting cases and reacting institutions is efficient. He emphasised that prevention is especially important, which requires much greater coordination of all actors in order to reduce the number of incidents.

The working group also discussed misdemeanor proceedings against journalists from recent protests.

Representative of the Ministry of the Interior Bekir Dudic informed the participants in the meeting that the Ministry of the Interior had withdrawn the misdemeanour proceedings against all persons who were determined to be journalists.

Amendments to the Criminal Code were also discussed at the meeting. Some media and journalist associations asked to amend the Criminal Code, which was drafted by the Ministry of Justice, and based on the analysis of Prof. Dr. Zoran Stojanovic and with the support of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, and withdraw it from the procedure.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the issue of protection and safety of journalists remains a full priority, regardless of whether the Criminal Code is being changed now or not, and that the government remains fully open to continue dialogue on this topic with all media and journalists' associations in the future.

Representatives of the OSCE Mission, who have supported the whole process from the beginning, also stressed that the OSCE will continue to provide full support in this.