The SafeJournalists Network has expressed concern over the targeting of researcher Getoarbe Mulliqi and journalist and academic Dinko Gruhonjić following the publication of their analysis on media reporting about dealing with the past in the Western Balkans. According to the Network, the authors were subjected to a smear campaign initiated by a Serbian tabloid, using derogatory and ethnically charged language, which was reinforced by a statement from Serbia’s Ministry of Information and Telecommunications questioning their credibility. SafeJournalists warns that the combination of hostile media narratives and official rhetoric creates an intimidating environment for journalists, researchers and media freedom advocates. It stresses that disagreement with research findings must not justify personal attacks, ethnic stigmatisation or institutional pressure, and reiterates that protecting independent journalism, research and freedom of expression is essential for democratic governance. Read more here.
Source: SafeJournalists Network