Belgrade mayor calls N1 TV journalists ‘manipulators,’ reports ‘fake’

New York, October 30, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Serbian authorities to condemn the recent verbal attacks against journalists from private independent TV station N1 and other outlets by Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić and ensure journalists can safely carry out their work without fear of intimidation or reprisal.

“We are deeply concerned by Mayor Aleksandar Šapić’s hostile rhetoric targeting journalists, particularly those from N1 TV, during his recent press conference,” said Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative. “Such intimidating rhetoric from a high-ranking official can have a chilling effect on critical reporting and potentially endanger journalists’ safety. Serbian authorities must categorically reject these verbal attacks and reiterate their commitment to the safety of journalists.”

During a press conference on October 24, Šapić called journalists “manipulators” and alleged that reports about him were biased and “fakes.” Šapić serves as vice president of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and is a close ally of President Aleksandar Vučić.

He argued that journalists had misrepresented his words, specifically targeting the private independent N1 TV station and its reporter Miodrag Sovilj. Another N1 TV journalist, Mladen Savatović, told local media that journalists fear physical attacks.

Since Vučić scored a sweeping parliamentary victory last December, Serbian journalists have felt targeted by the populist president’s supporters, including politicians, public officials, and pro-government media.

CPJ requested comments from the Belgrade’s mayor press department but received no response.