ANEM Demands Investigation into Takedowns of Independent Media’s Instagram Accounts

Programmer, Computer (Pixabay)

The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) on Jan. 20, requested from the authorities to investigate an email received by several media outlets, with the sender claiming “the responsibility for takedowns of Instagram accounts of certain media outlets, organizations, and individuals.” 

The mail had been sent from the address meta.saradnici@proton.me, ANEM said in a release.

“We had told you that we would disable your social media accounts for negative reports or comments about our president, and we did it,” the message read. “What can you do, that happens when you know people working at Meta INC! You social media accounts will be disabled each time you insult our President Aleksandar Vucic for spreading disinformation. Vucic is the king, and we cannot wait to see him run for prime minister. He should rule forever!”, it was said in the message, according to ANEM

The coordinated bot attack resulted in temporary suspension of more than 20 accounts of media outlets, organizations, and individuals, including Nova.rs, Radar, Autonomija, the Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA), and photojournalist Gavrilo Andric. Meanwhile, all accounts have been recovered.