KRIK: The World Increasingly Aware of Problems in Serbia

Stevan Dojcinovic KRIK (Photo: Media Center Belgrade)

The world is becoming increasingly aware of problems in Serbia, as well of all difficulties encountered by the media, Stevan Dojcinovic, editor of the KRIK portal has said during an interview with Voice of America (VOA). During last month, the network that investigates crime and corruption in the country was again targeted by the MPs of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and the tabloids close to the government.

“Never before have we had stronger reactions by the embassies of the U.S., the EU and European countries than on this occasion. For the first time clear messages were sent that this [such practice] must stop. The authorities have to respect the media. The fact that the world sees what is going on and wants to react to it is a very good signal,” Dojcinovic said.

For the past several weeks Dojcinovic has been on a visit to the U.S., where he had talks with representatives of several international journalistic organizations. According to VOA, Dojcinovic, his colleagues and the outlet he is the editor of, were attacked after the arrest of Veljko Belivuk, accused of being the leader of one of the gangs the police suspect of having perpetrated the most serious crimes, including brutal murders.

“It is impossible for the Serbian tabloids and MPs to do anything not approved from the very top – by the president and his people,” Dojcinovic also said and added that many criminal groups are closely tied to the authorities.

“When it comes to organized crime, we have never had sufficiently strong and autonomous prosecutors or the police that can carry an in-depth investigation into these, most serious political ties,” Dojcinovic pointed out.