Press freedom 2008

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI) is deeply concerned by the recent death threats against Momcilo Djorgovic, editor-in-chief of the Serbian weekly Nedeljni Telegraf,  and Danijela Milinkovic, assitant to the editor-in-chief.

According to information made available to SEEMO, on 24 March, a letter signed by the "red berets" arrived at the editorial office of the weekly. The "red berets" are the former Special Forces Corps of Serbia. According to the official press release issued by the Nedeljni Telegraf, the letter contained, besides many insults, threats adressed to Djorgovic and Milinkovic warning them to "take care that a bullet is not put through their heads," or that "they will be blown up." The editorial office informed the police of the threats.

Commenting on the incident, SEEMO Secretary General, Oliver Vujovic, said, "SEEMO strongly condemns all threats against journalists as a violation of the fundamental principle of freedom of expression. I would like to urge an immediate and through investigation by the Serbian authorities."