OSCE Representative Désir welcomes Serbian police arrest of alleged instigator of arson attack against journalist Milan Jovanović
VIENNA, 26 January 2019 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today welcomed the thorough police action which has led to the arrest of the alleged instigator of the arson attack against journalist Milan Jovanović in Serbia.
Yesterday, law enforcement authorities arrested Dragoljub Simonović, President of Grocka municipality, who is suspected of ordering the arson attack on the house of Milan Jovanović, a correspondent of the news portal Žig info.
This follows the arrest of three persons for this crime in December of last year.
„I welcome the effective police investigation in identifying and bringing to justice all those responsible for this crime, the alleged perpetrators and the instigator. This is a very positive step forward in the fight against impunity for attacks against journalists in Serbia“, said Désir.
The Representative also commended the engagement of President Aleksandar Vučić in resolving this case and his strong statement yesterday that violence against journalists will not be tolerated, that journalists will be protected and attacks punished most severely.
„It is essential that all attacks against journalists are publicly and strongly condemned at the highest political level, to make it clear to everyone that they will not be tolerated and that all those involved will be brought to justice”, said Désir. “I will continue working closely with the Serbian authorities and all relevant media stakeholders on improving the media freedom situation and the safety of journalists as its key pillar“.
The arson attack against journalist Milan Jovanović that took place on 12 December 2018 was publicly condemned by the Representative. (see: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/406535)
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more