"Threats against journalists must be investigated”

The OSCE mission and U.S. embassy in Serbia have called on the prosecution to investigate in detail threats made against journalists.

Izvor: Beta

Thursday, 06.05.2010.

17:03

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The OSCE mission and U.S. embassy in Serbia have called on the prosecution to investigate in detail threats made against journalists. “Attacks and threats against the freedom of the media cannot be tolerated. The current and past incidents and crimes against journalists must be seriously investigated and the appropriate measures must be taken,” U.S. ambassador to Serbia Mary Warlick said on Wednesday, according to reports. "Threats against journalists must be investigated” She added that the role of the government in every democratic country was to create conditions for the freedom of speech and to protect those using this basic right. “Investigative reporters in Serbia are experiencing verbal threats and physical attacks while investigating actions of criminal, violent and extreme forces. Verbal threats are very dangerous, especially if they are coming from extreme organized groups that cannot be underestimated,” Warlick said. She reminded of the fact that with various programs implemented over the last 10 years, the U.S. spent USD 33mn in order to help the development of independent and professional media in Serbia. “We will continue to help along with our Serbian and European friends,” Warlick said. Dimitrios Kypreos, who heads the OSCE mission to Serbia, said that the murders of three Serbian journalists during the time of transition showed that transition was not easy. “Even today, courageous Serbian journalists are experiencing death threats from hooligans who speak in the name of organized crime. The OSCE mission in Serbia and other international organizations have condemned these cowardly threats,” he said. Serbian Culture Minister Nebojsa Bradic said that some media companies in Serbia refer to sensationalist reporting as investigative journalism, and violate ethical and legal norms by doing so. He also said that the economic crisis hurt journalists and their independent work, while the transformation of media ownership forced media be more commercial and to adhere to the interest of owners. “Journalists must increasingly work under with unsatisfactory social status, while new owners often invest their profit abroad,” the minister warned.

"Threats against journalists must be investigated”

She added that the role of the government in every democratic country was to create conditions for the freedom of speech and to protect those using this basic right.

“Investigative reporters in Serbia are experiencing verbal threats and physical attacks while investigating actions of criminal, violent and extreme forces. Verbal threats are very dangerous, especially if they are coming from extreme organized groups that cannot be underestimated,” Warlick said.

She reminded of the fact that with various programs implemented over the last 10 years, the U.S. spent USD 33mn in order to help the development of independent and professional media in Serbia.

“We will continue to help along with our Serbian and European friends,” Warlick said.

Dimitrios Kypreos, who heads the OSCE mission to Serbia, said that the murders of three Serbian journalists during the time of transition showed that transition was not easy.

“Even today, courageous Serbian journalists are experiencing death threats from hooligans who speak in the name of organized crime. The OSCE mission in Serbia and other international organizations have condemned these cowardly threats,” he said.

Serbian Culture Minister Nebojša Bradić said that some media companies in Serbia refer to sensationalist reporting as investigative journalism, and violate ethical and legal norms by doing so.

He also said that the economic crisis hurt journalists and their independent work, while the transformation of media ownership forced media be more commercial and to adhere to the interest of owners.

“Journalists must increasingly work under with unsatisfactory social status, while new owners often invest their profit abroad,” the minister warned.

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