The European Union called on Serbia on Thursday to put an end to impunity for those responsible for the killing of journalists and requested to ensure proper conditions for the free and independent work of journalists.
Last week, the Court of Appeal of Serbia in Belgrade released four former members of the State Security Service of Serbia accused of the murder of journalist Slavko Ćuruvija in April 1999.
The spokesperson for the European Commission, Ana Pisonero, expressed her regret over the court’s decision in Belgrade and that Ćuruvija’s murder has not yet been clarified, and the perpetrators have not been convicted, even though more than 24 years have passed.
“The relevant authorities of Serbia must take steps to end impunity in this case and bring the perpetrators to justice. Journalists must work without pressure and freely,” said Pisonero.
The court overturned the first-instance judgment and acquitted Radomir Marković of charges of incitement to murder, as well as Milan Radonjić, Miroslav Kurakin, and Ratko Romić of charges of complicity in the murder.
Slavko Ćuruvija was killed on April 11, 1999, in the center of Belgrade, in front of the entrance to the building where he lived. He was the owner and editor of “Dnevni Telegraf” (Daily Telegraph) and the weekly newspaper “Evropljanin” (European).
Pisonero also recalled the recommendations from the Progress Report for Serbia, calling for the creation of conditions to respect media freedom standards in Serbia.
Meanwhile, EU spokesperson Peter Stano responded to questions about verbal attacks on several European media outlets by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in an interview, calling them “criminal media”.
“We usually do not comment on comments by other individuals, especially when we do not know the context. However, the EU and the European Commission have a clear stance and strongly support media freedom and journalists both in the EU and beyond. We strongly demand that journalists have the opportunity to work without pressure,” said Stano.
Referring to Vučić’s criticisms and insults directed at several European media outlets, Stano, without mentioning his name, invited the Serbian president “to look around and see what his country’s authorities have done for the media”.
“Anyone who makes such qualifications about the media speaks more about that person. For example, allowing Russian propaganda tools to be placed in Serbia. I mean RT, a Russian medium that is banned in the EU, which spreads the harshest Russian propaganda about Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine,” emphasized Stano.
The European Union has repeatedly asked Serbia to support the EU’s block sanctions against Russia, including when it comes to banning media that are sanctioned by the EU. However, Serbia continues to refuse to align its positions with those of the EU when it comes to sanctions against Russia.
