Serbia: Years of Threats and Harassment Target Isidora Kovačević, No Justice Served
The years long harassment sheds light on the precarious state of press freedom in the country
Location: Serbia, Šabac
Date: December 15, 2023
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom is outraged by the ongoing threats and harassment faced by journalist Isidora Kovačević in Serbia. The relentless campaign of intimidation against Kovačević, including the disturbing incident involving "Wanted" posters, is unacceptable and a blatant violation of press freedom and personal safety. It is alarming that despite her reporting these threats to the authorities, there has been little to no meaningful response or action taken to protect her and hold the perpetrators accountable. We call on the relevant authorities to promptly investigate these threats, identify the culprits, and ensure her safety.
"I don't feel safe at all, so I'm really afraid. The support that comes means a lot to me. But the police and the prosecutor's office are not doing their job, and that's why no one can guarantee my safety," expresses journalist Isidora Kovačević in an exclusive interview for CFWIJ, in response to the barrage of threats and harassment she faces, which she attributes to the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
The precarious state of press freedom in Serbia has been brought to attention yet again by the disturbing campaign of threats and harassment targeting Kovačević. The journalist recently expressed her concerns about feeling unsafe due to the presence of the chief of police in Šabac at a pre-election meeting of the Serbian Progressive Party, which seems to have made her a target for further persecution.
“I don’t feel safe at all, so I’m really afraid”
The ordeal for Kovačević began several years ago when fake pages of the Serbian Progressive Party started appearing on social media, specifically targeting her. However, the situation took a more sinister turn on December 17, 2021, when threatening posters featuring Kovačević's image and full name were plastered throughout the city of Šabac in Serbia. These posters, labeling her as the "media patron of thugs," were placed on cars, mailboxes, buildings, and poles by unidentified individuals. The "Wanted" posters even offered a reward.
Kovačević firmly believes that the "postering" incident is linked to her reporting on the environmental protests that took place in the city. Likely, local activists from the Serbian Progressive Party are responsible for the attack.
Despite reporting numerous threats to the police and the prosecutor's office, Kovačević has received no response or assistance. Even after two years, the police and the prosecutor's office have failed to identify the people behind this campaign of intimidation.
While there is currently one suspect, the police have been unable to serve him a summons for trial as they have been unable to locate him at his registered address. Adding to her distress, Kovačević has recently received threats of expulsion from the city and even the country. However, the response from the authorities has been disheartening, with the prosecutor dismissing the threats as mere insults.
“The police made an official note, called the prosecutor and I heard over the phone that he said it was not a threat but an insult. The police officer was kind to me, but that doesn’t mean that this case will be solved because this is not in his jurisdiction.” says Kovačević to CFWIJ.
In addition to the threats, Kovačević has also been targeted with the publication of her private photos with false information on fake social media pages. This malicious act aims to discredit her as a journalist and further exacerbates her vulnerability.
What is particularly disheartening is the lack of support from the media and journalists in her own city. Despite her pleas for assistance, none of the three media houses in Šabac have offered any support. However, media associations and colleagues from other cities have stepped up to provide public and legal support.
Kovačević's fear for her safety is palpable. While she appreciates the support she has received, she rightfully questions the effectiveness of the police and the prosecutor's office in ensuring her protection.
Serbia's award-winning and high-quality journalism, dedicated to uncovering crime and corruption, finds itself trapped amidst a wave of fake news and propaganda. Despite having a strong legal foundation, journalists face constant threats from political influences and a lack of accountability for crimes committed against them.
Within a deeply divided political atmosphere, journalists in Serbia frequently face targeted political assaults orchestrated by influential figures within the ruling elite, often amplified by certain national television networks. Unfortunately, both politicians and institutions, including the Regulatory Authority of Electronic Media (REM), which is predominantly comprised of government-appointed individuals, have shown little willingness to address this issue. Furthermore, journalists who express criticism towards the ruling party are often denied access to interviews with government officials and restricted from obtaining public information.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom expresses its unwavering support for Isidora Kovačević and other journalists facing similar challenges. We vehemently condemn this distressing situation which highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for journalists in Serbia. Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society, and it is crucial that journalists are able to carry out their work without fear of reprisal. We demand the authorities take immediate action to investigate these threats, identify the perpetrators, and ensure the safety of Isidora Kovačević. Failure to do so would not only endanger the lives of journalists but also undermine the principles of democracy and freedom of expression in Serbia.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.