Renowned journalist Ana Marković from Nova was reportedly assaulted during a rally in Belgrade, sparking outrage among media organizations and the general public. Marković, who was covering the politically charged event, became the target of an unprovoked attack by several individuals in the crowd. Despite the presence of law enforcement officers at the scene, they allegedly failed to intervene, leaving her vulnerable to the assault. The incident has reignited concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in Serbia, particularly during public demonstrations.
Eyewitnesses report that tensions were already high at the rally, with verbal altercations escalating into physical violence. Marković attempted to de-escalate the situation, but attackers pushed and struck her while shouting insults. Her colleagues, who were present, managed to shield her and help her to safety. Nova’s editorial team has condemned the attack, describing it as an unacceptable assault on free journalism. They have also criticized the police for their inaction, calling for an immediate investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
This attack underscores the increasingly hostile environment journalists face in Serbia. Advocacy groups such as Reporters Without Borders have expressed alarm, emphasizing the need for stronger protections for media professionals. The Serbian government has yet to release an official statement on the incident, but activists and opposition leaders are demanding concrete action to prevent such occurrences in the future. Marković, though shaken, has vowed to continue her work, stating that intimidation will not silence her commitment to truthful reporting.
