November 27, 2024 - Serbia, Belgrade

Masked men and protesters assault N1’s Jelena Mirković and cameraman Aleksandar Cvrkotić while they were covering a protest in Belgrade. Shoved, struck, and harassed, Mirković called it the worst attack in her decade-long career.

At one point an unidentified man tried to snatch Mirković’s microphone. When asked why, he said it was because she was from N1. The channel has reported these incidents to the authorities, and the Prosecutor’s Office plans to open a case.

This attack shows the dangerous consequences of the smear campaign against N1, led and amplified by Serbia's ruling politicians. N1 and its journalists have been repeatedly insulted, berated, and discredited. Now, they’re being physically attacked while doing their jobs. This is terrifying for reporters on the ground in Serbia and is utterly unacceptable.

Just last week, two women journalists were assaulted during separate protests in Serbia. We are witnessing a dangerous rise in aggression towards the press, fueled by harmful political rhetoric and impunity for attackers. This must stop.

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Jelena Mirković and her N1 colleagues. We demand authorities immediately identify and prosecute those responsible for these violent attacks on journalists.