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Alert

ANEM strongly condemns attack on journalist Teofil Pancic

(ANEM/IFEX) - Belgrade, July 25, 2010 - Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) strongly protests against the brutal attack on the weekly "Vreme" columnist, journalist Teofil Pancic, which occurred last night on the city bus in Zemun.

ANEM is expecting immediate reaction from the relevant state bodies, to urgently and effectively find and prosecute the perpetrators of this attack on the journalist, who has suffered contusions to his head and hands. Unfortunately, this attack is a continuation of the attacks on the journalistic profession and representatives of the media in our country.

Also intimidating is the fact that none of the murders of journalists in the past few years have yet been resolved, while we witness the rare and sporadic cases of finding the attackers of media workers, as well as their subsequent legal processing.

The absence of an appropriate state response and the creation of an atmosphere of fear further encourages potential attackers. Unfortunately, last night's target was Teofil Pancic, known as a liberal-minded intellectual, accomplished professional, respected and award-winning journalist.

ANEM expresses its full solidarity with the victim of the attack and calls on authorities to find the perpetrators, which would be in the best interest of the democratization of society and media freedom.

Only with the prompt reaction of the competent authorities can the Government practically demonstrate its desire to assure normal working conditions to media and journalists, and discourage future attacks on media professionals.

ANEM President,
Sasa Mirkovic