Belgrade Open School strongly condemns the public threat of murder against student Pavle Cicvarić made during a broadcast on Informer TV. An attack on fundamental human rights – such as the right to life, freedom, and personal security – is not only a brutal assault on an individual, but on society as a whole, as it fuels an atmosphere of fear and violence.

The institutions of the Republic of Serbia must demonstrate determination and act without delay. We call for an immediate investigation and for the senior representative of the ruling party who issued the threat to be held accountable in accordance with the law. Any tolerance of such statements undermines basic freedoms and spreads panic throughout society.

We urge the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor’s Office to respond swiftly and decisively, to take measures to protect citizens, and in particular to ensure the safety of Pavle Cicvarić until the case is fully investigated. Justice must apply equally to all, not as a privilege reserved for a select few.

This situation also underscores the urgent need for the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) to function in accordance with the law and its mandate. REM, which has a duty to respond and sanction such actions, has been non-operational since November 4, 2024, when the mandate of its current members expired – due to a deliberate decision by the ruling majority. Effective action by REM would help prevent the collapse of public safety and the severe violation of journalistic ethics. Allowing such dangerous statements to be broadcast without any institutional response or condemnation represents a grave setback for journalism and public information in Serbia.

We demand full accountability in this case – from the judicial institutions of the Republic of Serbia, from those responsible for ensuring the functioning of REM, from the media outlet that broadcast the threat, and from the ruling party official who issued it.

Any delay in response constitutes complicity

The statement’s signatories

Belgrade Open School

The Novi Sad School of Journalism 

Eneca

Young Serbian Farmers

The Safe Trails Association

New Planning Practice