The president’s call to lynch Veran Matić is an act of political desperation and a brutal message against the rule of law

Veran Matić dedicated his life to freedom of speech, protection of journalists, building a culture of solidarity and charity in our country. As part of his charitable work, Veran launched the “Battle for the Babies” initiative, which enabled maternity hospitals across Serbia to receive more than 220 incubators and thereby save the lives of thousands of babies. Through the establishment of the Serbian Philanthropy Forum and management of B92 Fund, he mobilized the public, companies and institutions to engage in numerous humanitarian actions in the areas of health, education and media freedom. He particularly distinguished himself in the collection and distribution of aid during emergency situations such as the floods of 2014 and the COVID-19 pandemic, showing that media impact combined with social responsibility has a direct positive effect on raising the level of social solidarity and finding systemic solutions to problems that directly affect the lives of citizens. 

In addition, Veran Matić has consistently and courageously protected the safety of journalists in Serbia for decades – from the establishment of the Commission for Investigating the Murders of Journalists, through the SOS line to help journalists, which he personally answered, to the constant support of local media throughout Serbia, in the most difficult conditions of pressure and threats. While Matić was with his colleagues, the state was symbolically and institutionally absent. As the most painful example of this remains the fact that the case of the murder of Slavko Ćuruvija, after all the years and trials, did not receive its epilogue and justice.

By calling for revenge against a man dedicated to truth and the public welfare, the president shows that he uses his position to attack defenders of freedom of speech, while at the same time absolving bullies and providing protection to those who brutally attack citizens with fists, baseballs and cars. With this act, president continues to stand openly on the side of violence and impunity, clearly showing that crime and violence are not incidents, but state policy.

Therefore, we, the undersigned civil society organizations, call on the competent institutions to act professionally and conscientiously, protect the personal safety of Veran Matić and reject the political practice of impunity for violence, and we call on the citizens to be persistent and united in the fight for accountability. 

In a responsible society, when president loses power, he doesn’t call for lynching. 

In a responsible society, people like Veran Matić are protected and rewarded – not targeted.

Civil society organizations – signatories: 

Catalyst Balkans 

Civic initiatives 

Youth Initiative for Human Rights 

CRTA (Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability)

Trag foundation

Belgrade Center for Human Rights 

Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia 

Smart Collective 

Partners Serbia 

Association Naša kuća 

Association of Citizens of Novi Sad 

Bicycle Initiative 

Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation 

“Living Upright” Center 

Romani Asvin 

Green oasis Kučevo 

Kučevo’s initiative 

“Teach Me” Association 

Pro. Tok21 

“Our world, our rules” Youth Association 

Center for girls 

Association of Independent Electronic Media ANEM 

Fund B92 

A 11 – Initiative for economic and social rights 

New optimism

SviĆe BAZA 

Serbian Philanthropy Forum 

Prijepolje Women’s Forum Association 

CROCODILE Association 

Proactive 

Ocular

ZOO Planet Nis Association 

Local foundation StPa 

Association Tatamate 

Cirkusfera Association 

Network of Academic Solidarity and Engagement (MASA) 

ASTRA – Action against human trafficking 

NGO Lighthouse