The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the series of death threats, threats of violence, and announced attacks directed at the editorial staff of the weekly “Radar”, cartoonist Dušan Petričić, as well as the public threats issued to Nenad Kulačin and Marko Vidojković. Such messages constitute a direct attack on the safety of journalists, freedom of expression, and the public’s right to be informed.

The “Radar” editorial team received a threatening email from an individual with the initials L. I., in which the newsroom was insulted and labeled as “traitorous,” accompanied by a message stating that, in the event of large-scale violence, they would be among the first targets. The same message specifically targets cartoonist Dušan Petričić, accusing him of various actions and threatening him with permanent retaliation.

In addition to the email, a person signing as “Prle” posted several disturbing and threatening comments on the Radar portal. These messages reference the execution of Dušan Petričić, the burning of editorial staff members, and violence against anyone who supports them, attempting to justify such acts.

One of the messages alludes to the tragedy and attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, suggesting that the Radar editorial team could face a similar scenario. Another message announces personal violence, mentioning a specific location for a potential encounter.

Additionally, on December 8, Nenad Kulačin and Marko Vidojković received threats in a video message on the social network X. The message appeared as a comment on a post on the account of the podcast they host.

In the video comment, a person using the name Mile Bajšev Veliki Ćaci on X told the journalists that they were ‘lucky’ because they were not in the West, claiming that if they were, they would be ‘hunted’ and targeted there. He added that they were in ‘Vučić’s democratic Serbia,’ where the people are tolerant — ending the threat with ‘until they break.’

All threats have been reported to the Special Prosecutor’s Office for High-Tech Crime.

The SafeJournalists Network calls on the competent Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Interior to immediately identify and prosecute the authors of all the aforementioned threats, to take urgent protective measures for the editorial team of “Radar” and cartoonist Dušan Petričić, as well as journalists Nenad Kulačin and Marko Vidojković, and to demonstrate that cases of such online threats are treated as a priority through effective investigations and judicial outcomes.

The Network reiterates that such threats must not be dismissed as “comments” or “expressions of opinion,” but recognized as serious security threats requiring swift and effective institutional action. Failure to prosecute these cases creates an atmosphere of impunity and encourages perpetrators, while the consequences of tolerating such rhetoric in reality can be severe and far-reaching.

The SafeJournalists Network will inform relevant national and international actors about this case.

Every attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, the public interest, and fundamental human rights.

Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, December 12, 2025

Croatian Journalists’ Association

Association of Journalists of Kosovo

Association of Journalists of Macedonia

BH Journalists’ Association

Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia

Trade Union of Media of Montenegro

The source: IJAS

Photo by: Canva