**Journalists and Media Organizations Condemn Blockade of N1**
A group of local and international media freedom organizations have condemned the blockade of N1, a Serbian TV station, by activists from the ruling party’s junior member party.
On March 13, officials and members of Aleksandar Vulin’s Movement of Socialists gathered outside the entrance to N1’s grounds, expressing dissatisfaction with N1’s reporting. They refused to give statements. Across the street, employees from nearby buildings showed their support for N1.
Vulin confirmed in the Serbian Parliament that his party members blocked the entrance to N1’s grounds.
**Concerns About Journalist Safety**
Attila Mong, a representative of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), expressed concern about the safety of journalists and their ability to work without intimidation and violence. “Demonstrators and political actors must respect media independence and refrain from actions that may be interpreted as pressure on journalists or silencing critics,” he said.
Pavol Szalai from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also commented on the blockade, saying it was not up to the ruling party to block private media operations. “It is the responsibility of politicians to ensure conditions conducive to media freedom, independence, and pluralism,” he said.
**Condemnation by Media Organizations**
The Coalition for Media Freedom and the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) also condemned the gathering in front of N1 organized by provincial officials. They stated that it was unacceptable and legally prohibited for political officials to exert pressure on independent media’s editorial autonomy.
**Support from Journalists’ Associations**
The President of the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS), Zeljko Bodrozic, said that the gathering outside N1 demonstrated that the station played a role similar to public service broadcasting. The Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS) also issued a statement saying that any attempt to prevent journalists from doing their jobs was “unacceptable”.
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