OSCE media freedom representative strongly condemns brutal attack on Serbian journalist

VIENNA, 26 July 2010 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic today condemned brutal attack on a Serbian journalist, Teofil Pancic.

Pancic, political columnist for the weekly Vreme known for his critical stance against nationalism and sports hooliganism, was brutally beaten on 24 July and was rushed to hospital suffering from brain concussion and arm injuries.

"I am very concerned about recent physical attacks against journalists in Serbia. These attacks silence critical and courageous journalism and undermine democratic values of the country," Mijatovic said.

Mijatovic welcomed the strong condemnation of the attack by President Boris Tadic, Culture Minister Nebojsa Bradic and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic.

"Only by taking a joint stance within the government against all forms of physical and verbal attacks against journalists, and by ensuring swift prosecutions will it be possible to improve the working environment for media in Serbia," Mijatovic said.

"I am encouraged by the pledges of the government and law enforcement agencies to put all their efforts into resolving this and all previous attacks against journalists, including unresolved murders, and I welcome the decision by the police to declare the investigation into this case a priority," Mijatovic stated.

"Violence against journalists equals violence against society and democracy and should be met with harsh condemnation and prosecution of the perpetrators. There is no true press freedom, as long as journalists have to fear for their life while performing their work," Mijatovic concluded.