IFJ Condemns Belgrade “Hysteria and Threats” Towards Independent Media The International Federation of Journalists, the worldâs largest organisation of journalists, today condemned statements by Vojislav Seselj, Deputy Serbian Prime Minister and President of the Serbian Radical Party in which he accused independent media in Serbia of being implicated in the killing of Defence Minister Pavle […]
IFJ Condemns Belgrade “Hysteria and Threats” Towards Independent Media
The International Federation of Journalists, the worldâs largest organisation of journalists, today condemned statements by Vojislav Seselj, Deputy Serbian Prime Minister and President of the Serbian Radical Party in which he accused independent media in Serbia of being implicated in the killing of Defence Minister Pavle Bulatovic.
In a press conference yesterday in Belgrade Mr Seselj accused independent radio and newspapers in Serbia of being instruments of western countries, of acting like traitors and criminals and of being complicit in the killing of Bulatovic.
“It is grossly irresponsible for Mr Seselj to try to whip up feeling against journalists and the forces of democracy in Serbia,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary, “his hysteria and threats towards independent media will do nothing to solve the grave political and economic crisis that is overtaking the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
“He is merely looking for scapegoats. Responsibility for the crisis rests solely with the government.”
In his outburst, the Minister targeted independent radio station B292, and the publications Danas, Glas Javnosti, Blic, and Novosti. He accused them of receiving money from the Americans, of sheltering foreign spies and of being accomplices in murder. He promised action against the independent media. He is reported to have said: “He who works for the Americans must suffer the consequences of it.”
The IFJ said that journalists around the world were acutely aware of the dangerous situation in which independent media in Serbia exist. “The Government in Belgrade must not believe it can act with impunity against journalists and independent media,” said Aidan White.
“Actions against journalists who are striving to maintain vestiges of democracy will provoke a storm of outrage. The Government of Slobodan Milosevic must take responsibility for its actions and not try to pin the blame on vulnerable sections of society, particularly those trying to maintain a credible process of democratic exchange.”
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The IFJ represents more than 450, 000 journalists in 130 unions and associations in 103 countries.
