OSCE media freedom representative concerned over attempted attacks on journalists in Serbia
ASTANA, 31 October 2012 – Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, today condemned the attempted attack against Tanja Janković, a journalist with B92 broadcaster in Serbia, and warned against violence becoming a dangerous trend.
On 30 October an explosive device was placed near Janković’s parents’ home, but did not detonate.
“Luckily no one was hurt this time, but I am worried about the safety of Janković and her family, as this is a second incident they are involved in,” Mijatović said, recalling that on 22 September Janković and her family were injured in Vranje.
She urged the authorities of Serbia to investigate whether the two incidents are linked and whether they are related to the journalist’s professional activities.
“I call on the authorities to fully investigate not only the incidents against Tanja Janković, but also the recent attack against Damir Dragić,” Mijatović said.
On 16 October 2012 unknown perpetrators threw a Molotov cocktail at the house of Damir Dragić, director of the Informer daily.
“During my official visit to Serbia in September, I received assurances from the authorities that they would work towards creating a safer working environment for journalists,” Mijatović said. “I sincerely hope that the authorities of Serbia will strongly condemn the recent incidents and take steps to ensure that such attacks do not turn into a troublesome trend of violence against journalists.”
Mijatović is currently in Astana on an official visit.