Serbia: Police protection provided for journalist after threats

The South and East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East and Central Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is deeply alarmed by alleged threats received by TV B92 journalist Sonja Kamenkovic from Zajecar, Serbia.

According to information received by SEEMO, since the end of August 2010 Kamenkovic has reported on the alleged violent behaviour of a police officer who reportedly injured two young men. The currently suspended police officer allegedly threatened, on several occasions, Kamenkovic and Ivan Popovic, a journalist for Alo magazine. He reportedly said he would kill all journalists who reported on his case. The police in Zajecar subsequently provided police protection to Kamenkovic.

This is not the first time a TV B92 journalist has been provided with police protection. Brankica Stankovic remains under police protection after being threatened several times in the past few years.

SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said: "SEEMO welcomes the police protection that has been provided to Kamenkovic and calls on the Serbian authorities to take extra measures to protect the Serbian media, in particular investigative journalists, who play a crucial role in a democratic society."

Vujovic added: "SEEMO urges the Serbian authorities to fully investigate the latest reports of threats, and to bring to justice anyone found responsible."

Source: International Press Institute