01. 02. 2013

JOURNALISTS’ BOYCOTT OF GOVERNMENT

Valjevo, February 1, 2013 (Vecernje novosti) - The work of the sixth session of the City Assembly was continued without participation of journalists, who had ignored the sitting of the local parliament because of insults inflicted to Darija Rankovic, editor of regional Radio Patak back on December 24 last year.

In the letter sent to Stanko Terzic, Valjevo Mayor, and the local parliament members, president of the City Assembly, as well as the public prosecutor, the journalists said that they would not accept any interference in the editorial policy of media in Valjevo.

"We demand our status that enjoys special legal protection be respected, and personal safety and right to work guaranteed. We urge the authorities to punish those exerting pressure, insults, attacks and humiliating journalists on assignments", it was stated in the letter.

Following the statement of media representatives, Dragoljub Krstic, Valjevo Deputy Mayor, sent written apology to journalist Darija Rankovic. However, since Valjevo journalists had never received any response or reaction of authorities that the letter was addressed to, they decided neither to take presence nor to report from yesterday's session of the City Assembly.