OSCE Media Freedom Representative strongly condemns attack on journalist’s house in Serbia, urges swift and thorough investigation
VIENNA, 12 December 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today condemned an attack on a journalist’s house in Vrčin, Serbia.
Last night, the house of Milan Jovanović, a correspondent of the news portal Žig info, was completely burned down together with all his furniture and his car. Jovanović, who sustained minor injuries, was immediately hospitalized.
“I strongly condemn this terrible act, and urge the law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate it,” said Désir, “It is important that Jovanović and his family are protected and that the investigation will swiftly and thoroughly uncover the real motives behind this attack.”
The Representative recalled that this is not an isolated incident involving journalists from Žig info. In October, Željko Matorčević, the editor-in-chief of the news portal, was the victim of a physical attack.
Désir stressed the important role of the Permanent Working Group for Safety of Journalists in Serbia, in following up on these cases.