On 7 June 1996, the financial inspector for the city of Pancevo, 20 kilometres northeast of Belgrade, effectively banned the correspondents of the independent newspaper “Novi Pancevac” from working in their respective regions by declaring that their work permits were no longer in force. Djordje Zojkic, owner and editor-in-chief of the newspaper, nevertheless claimed that […]
On 7 June 1996, the financial inspector for the city of Pancevo,
20 kilometres northeast of Belgrade, effectively banned the
correspondents of the independent newspaper “Novi Pancevac” from
working in their respective regions by declaring that their work
permits were no longer in force. Djordje Zojkic, owner and
editor-in-chief of the newspaper, nevertheless claimed that the
14 June edition of the “Novi Pancevac” would appear as usual and
that it would be dedicated “to all those who wish to ban it.” He
also pointed out that those members of the ruling Socialist Party
who ordered this action had also, in 1992, banned “Novi Pancevac”
and occupied the offices of Radio Pancevac. Furthermore, Zojkic
stressed that after four years, local authorities had never
invited journalists from “Novi Pancevac” to cover important
events in the region, unlike the treatment accorded journalists
from media outlets with ties to the Socialist Party.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
“Novi Pancevac”, particularly since it comes less than two weeks
after the municipality of Smederevo assumed control of Radio
Smederevo
independent media
against the staff of “Novi Pancevac” is reversed as soon as
possible
Appeals To
His Excellency Slobodan Milosevic
President
Republic of Serbia
Fax: +381 11 656 862/+381 11 682 167/+381 11 682 850
His Excellency Zoran Lilic
President
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Fax: +381 11 656 862/+381 11 682 167
Aleksandra Tijanic
Minister of Information
Republic of Serbia
Fax: +381 11 685 937
Dragutin Brcin
Federal Minister of Information
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Fax: +381 11 600 446
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
