We are seriously concerned by the threats voiced against B92 journalist Brankica Stanković and her associates on the Insider show and maintain that the state’s reaction must be clear and unequivocal. The activities of the so-called “fan groups” constitute a flagrant violation of the laws of the Republic of Serbia and the fundamental human rights of its citizens, while their rhetoric is based on hate speech and intolerance. Recalling that the freedom of speech is the corner-stone of every democratic society, we would like to emphasise the need for coordinated actions by the police, prosecutors and courts to find and punish the individuals and groups voicing grave threats and insults. Timely and efficient reactions by state authorities aimed at eliminating the danger may not be brought into question. Investigative journalism and freedom of the media are a key part of an agile and vigorous civil society. Its actions constitute an important corrective of the work of state authorities. This is why it should be perceived as contribution to the elimination of serious social anomalies, not as competition or interference in “the affairs of the state”.
We call on all state authorities to finally pass from words to deeds, to provide the necessary protection to Brankica Stanković and her crew and to efficiently prosecute the authors of the threats.
Belgrade Centre for Human Rights
Centre for Peace and Democracy
Centre for Cultural Decontamination
Humanitarian Law Centre
Civic Initiatives
Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia
Youth Initiative for Human Rights
Committee of Lawyers for Human Rights
Women in Black
