Nidzara Ahmetasevic is a journalist based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She has a long career as a journalist working for various local, regional and international media on human rights, war crimes, and international affairs, migrations. Her work has been published in The New Yorker, Al ...

Arkan’s Bloodstained ‘Tigers’ Escape Punishment

26 May 2010  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Impunity

More than 18 years after the Serbian paramilitary group known as the Tigers, led by Zeljko Raznatovic “Arkan”, committed atrocities in Bijeljina, Bosnia, no member has faced trial for war crimes. Despite evidence and testimonies, issues of identification and political connections have hindered prosecutions. The Tigers, formed in 1990, were involved in various conflicts across the Balkans, often acting with the support of Serbian state security. Investigations continue, but the likelihood of indictments remains low, with many former members living freely and some holding political positions.

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Serbian Progressive Party Party of Serbian Unit Serbian state security Serbian Volunteer Guard International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia Cantonal prosecution in Tuzla State Court in Sarajevo

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Adrian Ardelean is a journalist based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Broadcast working experience 15yrs
BBC Worldservice
Europa FM Radio, Romania
Digi24 TV, Romania

Serbian Opposition Protests Against Alleged Electoral Fraud in Belgrade

19 Dec 2023  |  Europa Liberă România  |  Romanian  |  Political Unrest

Supporters of the pro-European coalition Serbia Against Violence gathered to protest alleged electoral fraud in Belgrade's municipal elections, accusing the ruling party of illegally bringing in voters from other regions and abroad. Marinika Tepic and Miroslav Aleksic, representatives of the coalition, demanded the annulment of the elections and announced a hunger strike until the Belgrade elections are canceled. Germany and OSCE observers reported unacceptable irregularities for an EU candidate country during Serbia's legislative elections on December 17. President Aleksandar Vučić, criticized for consolidating power and controlling the media, maintains close ties with Russia while seeking good relations with the EU. The Serbian Progressive Party claimed victory in the national parliamentary vote, while final results for Belgrade's local elections are pending.

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Serbian Progressive Party Serbia Against Violence OSCE European Union

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I am a freelance journalist originally from Romania. In the past three years, I have published over 400 articles on topics, ranging from political affairs in Eastern Europe to environmental abuses in African countries. Some of the publications that I have contributed to include Al Jazeera (****), ...

The Long Battle Over Serbia’s Lithium

01 Oct 2024  |  Green European Journal  |  English  |  Serbian Politics

The article discusses the resurgence of lithium mining debates in Serbia, highlighting the political and environmental tensions surrounding the issue. Despite previous halts, the Serbian government, led by the Serbian Progressive Party, is pushing for lithium extraction, supported by international interests, including Germany and the EU. This has sparked widespread protests and opposition from local activists and political parties, particularly the Green-Left Front. The article criticizes the EU and German Greens for prioritizing lithium access over democratic values, while local opposition seeks to amend mining laws to prevent exploitation. The situation underscores broader geopolitical dynamics and the struggle for environmental justice in Serbia.

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European Green Party German Green Party Serbian Progressive Party European Union

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****

One man's hunt for his brothers' killers

30 Mar 2017  |  BBC  |  English  |  Kosovo Conflict

Eighteen years after the Kosovo conflict, Fatos Bytyqi continues to seek justice for his three brothers, who were tortured and killed by Yugoslav police. Despite investigations by Serbian authorities and the FBI, no significant progress has been made. Fatos believes retired general Goran Radosavljevic, a powerful figure in Serbia, holds the key to the case. The article highlights the challenges Fatos faces, including the reluctance of Serbian officials to act and the broader geopolitical context affecting the pursuit of justice.

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Serbian Progressive Party Kosovo Liberation Army NATO International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia Humanitarian Law Centre

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Michael Colborne is a Canadian freelance journalist covering all things central and eastern Europe. His words and pictures have been published in Coda Story, CBC, Sydney Morning Herald, Al Jazeera, Open Democracy, National Post and other places. 

Before moving into journalism Michael spent eight ...

Levijatan: Serbian Animal Rights Vigilantes Go To The Polls

18 Jun 2020  |  www.bellingcat.com  |  English  |  Elections

Levijatan, a Serbian far-right group known for its tough stance on animal rights, has been accused of vigilantism and bullying under the guise of protecting animals. The group, led by Pavle Bihali, a former child actor and controversial figure, has gained popularity in Serbia and is now running candidates in the country's elections. Levijatan's methods include public shaming and threats against alleged animal abusers, and they have been criticized for their nationalist rhetoric and anti-Roma actions. Despite their claims of independence, there are allegations of connections between Levijatan and the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by President Aleksandar Vucic. The group's political and social activities raise concerns about the exploitation of popular causes by far-right groups to gain mainstream acceptance.

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Serbian Radical Party Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) Levijatan

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I'm a multimedia journalist and travel writer based between Lyon and Chamonix. 

****

I'm all about adventure sports, mountains, and the great outdoors.

But I'm also into arts, culture, wine.

Serbia's ruling populists claim sweeping election victory

17 Dec 2023  |  nz.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Political Controversy

Serbia's governing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by President Aleksandar Vucic, claimed a sweeping victory in the parliamentary elections with around 47% of the vote, potentially securing 130 seats in the 250-member assembly. The opposition coalition Serbia Against Violence, which was expected to challenge SNS, especially in Belgrade, disputed the results, alleging vote-rigging and demanding a rerun of the ballot. Independent monitors and media reported irregularities, including claims of voters being bussed in and attacks on monitoring teams. The opposition plans to protest in the capital. The elections also saw participation from several right-wing and pro-Russia parties, with the campaign framed as a referendum on Vucic's rule. Serbia has been an EU candidate since 2014, but the government faces criticism over democratic backsliding, handling of the Kosovo crisis, and public discontent due to inflation and corruption.

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Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) Serbia Against Violence Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability

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Multimedia journalist with research and interview skills, supported by an extensive knowledge of the global geopolitical landscape. Exceptional networking ability leading to trusted relationships with relevant sources. Ability to write, shoot and edit engaging content concisely and accurately under ...

Balkans on the brink: Tense protests flood Montenegrin, Serbian and Croatian capitals

03 Mar 2019  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Political Unrest

Thousands of protestors in Montenegro's capital Podgorica are calling for President Milo Đukanović's resignation over alleged corruption and abuse of office. Montenegro, a NATO member and EU candidate, faces widespread corruption. The protests were sparked by accusations from Đukanović's former ally Dusko Knezevic. Similar protests are occurring in Serbia against President Aleksandar Vucic's autocratic rule, and in Croatia, journalists are protesting against lawsuits that threaten press freedom. Đukanović has been a dominant figure in Montenegrin politics since 1991, and both Montenegro and Serbia are working towards EU membership but must address corruption and organized crime.

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Serbian Progressive Party Democratic Party of Socialists NATO European Union Croatian Journalists' Association

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I am a freelance journalist and fixer based in Belgrade, Serbia. I am the deputy director and main correspondent for the Balkans of eastjournal.net, most read Italian newspaper on Eastern Europe. 
I write news, reportage, analysis and features in Italian, English and Serbian language; among the ...

The crucial elections in Serbia, divided between Russia and the European Union

30 Mar 2022  |  www.editorialedomani.it  |  Italian  |  Serbia

Serbia faces crucial elections on April 3, with the country divided between aligning with Russia or the European Union. President Aleksandar Vucic, in power for a decade, faces opposition from Zdravko Ponos, a former general. The elections are set against a backdrop of Serbia's geopolitical balancing act, with Vucic's government maintaining ties with Russia while officially pursuing EU membership. The article highlights Serbia's energy dependency on Russia, the influence of nationalist sentiments, and the potential regional implications of the election outcome.

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Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) United Nations NATO European Union

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Experienced journalist able to do lives and reporting for print, radio and tv. I have reported for media outlets from more than fifteen countries, including for ARTE/ZDF, BBC News, The Guardian, Süddeutsche Zeitung, The Sunday Times, NRC Handelsblad, Deutsche Welle en De Groene Amsterdammer.

Mass protest against the Serbian government after deadly disaster at a train station

06 Nov 2024  |  NRC  |  Dutch  |  Infrastructure

A mass protest erupted in Novi Sad, Serbia, following a deadly incident at a train station where a concrete canopy collapsed, killing fourteen people. The protestors, including citizens and opposition leaders, blame the government for the tragedy, citing corruption and negligence. The Serbian Progressive Party, led by President Aleksandar Vucic, faces accusations of prioritizing financial gain over public safety. The incident has intensified calls for the resignation of key government officials and transparency in dealings with Chinese companies involved in infrastructure projects. The protest reflects broader discontent with systemic corruption in Serbia.

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Serbian Progressive Party European Fund for the Balkans Belgrade Center for Security Policy

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Una Hajdari is an independent reporter largely focused on Central and Eastern Europe with experience in covering news on economic and political developments, as well as the far-right, nationalism and identity politics.

Balkan plot to dig up Yugoslav leader Tito’s remains hits a wall

21 Sept 2024  |  www.politico.eu  |  English  |  Tito's Legacy

The proposal to exhume and relocate the remains of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito from Belgrade to his birthplace in Croatia has sparked a heated debate in Serbia. Belgrade's nationalist mayor, Aleksandar Šapić, supports the move, while Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić opposes it, emphasizing Tito's historical significance in Serbia. The issue has caused divisions within Serbia's ruling coalition and among intellectuals. Tito, a key figure in Yugoslav history, is remembered for his moderate socialist policies and leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement. The debate highlights the ongoing complexities of Tito's legacy and Serbia's political landscape.

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Serbian Oathkeepers Socialist Party of Serbia Serbian Progressive Party Movement of Socialists Non-Aligned Movement

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Valerie Hopkins is currently the South-East Europe Correspondent for the Financial Times, where she covers the region out of Budapest. She has more than ten years of experience working in South-Eastern Europe. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian The Atlantic, The Washington ...

Donald Trump’s Big League Balkans Problem

31 Jan 2017  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Trump Administration

The article discusses the anxiety in Kosovo regarding the potential impact of Donald Trump's presidency on U.S. foreign policy in the Balkans. Kosovo, heavily reliant on U.S. support, fears a shift in American priorities could embolden Serbian nationalists and destabilize the region. The article highlights the mixed reactions in Kosovo and Serbia, with Kosovo Albanians anxious about losing U.S. support and Serbian nationalists celebrating Trump's victory. The recent tensions, including a provocative train incident, underscore the fragile relations between Kosovo and Serbia, with potential implications for regional stability.

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Serbian Progressive Party U.S. Military NATO Riinvest Institute

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JElena JAnkovic is a journalist based in Beograd, Serbia.

To Some In Belgrade, Serbia Risks Loss Of 'Crown Jewel' In Kushner Deal

22 Mar 2024  |  www.globalsecurity.org  |  English  |  International Relations

Serbian officials are in advanced talks with Jared Kushner to redevelop the bombed-out Yugoslav General Staff headquarters in Belgrade, a site symbolizing Western military intervention. The potential deal has sparked mixed reactions among Serbs, with some viewing it as a loss of a historical monument and others seeing it as an opportunity for economic growth. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic supports the project, while opposition figures and cultural heritage advocates express concerns. The project, involving a $500 million investment, aims to transform the site into luxury apartments and a hotel, with a portion of profits going to the Serbian state. The deal has raised questions about transparency and the appropriateness of foreign involvement in such a historically significant site.

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Serbian Progressive Party Serbian Government NATO Radio-Television of Serbia Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage Transparency International

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Vladimir Kostic is a journalist based in Beograd, Serbia.

Controversial Lease of Mirović's Premises by Telekom, Investigation Full of Holes

29 Apr 2021  |  Centar za istraživačko novinarstvo Srbije  |  Serbian  |  Legal Investigation

Telekom Srbija paid at least 192,000 euros to lease business premises in Novi Sad owned by Igor Mirović, President of the Government of Vojvodina and member of the Serbian Progressive Party's Presidency. The lease was signed in January 2008 and included payments before the premises were operational. The Center for Investigative Journalism of Serbia (CINS) reveals that the lease bypassed public procurement procedures and highlights issues with the investigation conducted by the authorities. Jorgovanka Tabaković, Governor of the National Bank of Serbia, denied involvement in the deal. The police and prosecutor's office failed to address the case effectively, with no financial expertise conducted and certain individuals not being interrogated.

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Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) Government of Vojvodina National Bank of Serbia Center for Investigative Journalism of Serbia (CINS) Agency for the Prevention of Corruption

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Andrew MacDowall is a experienced correspondent, analyst, and consultant covering Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans. He has also done substantial work in the MENA region and South-East Asia as a business journalist and analyst. He has written for publications including the Guardian, ...

Serbia gets its first female – and gay – prime minister

15 Jun 2017  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  EU Relations

Ana Brnabić has been appointed as Serbia's first female and openly gay prime minister, a significant milestone in a country where homophobia is prevalent. President Aleksandar Vučić, who remains the most influential figure in Serbia, chose Brnabić, a technocrat without a party affiliation. Her appointment coincides with Leo Varadkar becoming Ireland's first gay PM. Despite progress on LGBT rights under Vučić's administration, issues of violence, discrimination, and limited legal recourse persist. Brnabić's political inexperience and lack of a power base may constrain her influence, particularly in foreign policy, which is expected to remain under Vučić's control. Critics suggest her appointment may be used to mask the true state of civil and human rights in Serbia.

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Serbian Progressive Party Serbian Government Belgrade Pride

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Data journalist and data reporting analyst. I have worked more than two decades as a journalist, reporter, investigative journalist, and editor in news magazines, daily newspapers, and digital media. 
Besides my skills in journalism, I have programming skills in Python required for OSINT and data ...

SHOCKING DISCOVERY BY KRIK.RS: Sale Mutavi's Team Works for Vučić!

20 Jul 2017  |  kurir.rs  |  Serbian  |  Investigative Journalism

An investigation by KRIK.rs has revealed that Borko Aranitović, part of the team of the deceased drug dealer and hooligan leader Aleksandar Stanković, known as Sale Mutavi, was involved in the violent treatment of citizens and journalists during the inauguration of President Aleksandar Vučić. The Serbian Progressive Party referred to the assailants as party stewards, but victims reported they had no official identification. KRIK's research suggests connections between criminals, the police, and high-ranking officials. Aranitović, identified in the incidents, is linked to the Freestyler nightclub, known for violent incidents, and has connections to figures in the criminal world and the police. The article also discusses the lack of action by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the support from the ruling party for those involved in the violence, highlighting a deeper problem of state collaboration and protection of criminals and hooligans.

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Serbian Progressive Party Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia Partizan Football Club

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Dusan Mladjenovic is a journalist based in Beograd, Serbia.

Presidential elections in Serbia

16 Mar 2024  |  dusanmladjenovicblog  |  Serbian  |  Political Campaigns

Serbia is holding presidential elections on April 2, with nearly seven million voters choosing from 11 candidates. Polls suggest that for the first time in 25 years, the outcome may not be uncertain, with the possibility of a candidate winning in the first round, last occurring in 1992. Current Prime Minister and leader of the Serbian Progressive Party, Aleksandar Vučić, is expected to receive about 55% of the votes. The opposition is divided, with Saša Janković and Vuk Jeremić as notable candidates. Ljubiša Preletačević - Beli, a satirical character played by Luka Maksimović, could surprise with a significant vote share. The shortest campaign in Serbian history, lasting only 28 days, saw candidates with similar programs, most claiming 'Kosovo is Serbia,' while others had varying views on Kosovo's independence and EU membership. The role of the Serbian president is largely ceremonial, representing the state domestically and internationally. The new president or the need for a second round of elections could be known by Sunday evening, with the Republic Electoral Commission (RIK) releasing initial data around 10 PM, and other organizations monitoring the election results releasing theirs an hour earlier.

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Serbian Progressive Party Ipsos Strategic Marketing Demostat Republic Electoral Commission (RIK) CeSID Crta

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Milivoje Pantovic is a investigative journalist based in Beograd, Serbia. He is specialized in the fields of domestic politics, foreign politics and culture. Milivoje was a journalist and editor in Serbian news agencies Tanjug and Beta, TV stations B92 and BK, newspaper "Politika", editor in ...

‘We have a violent society’: hate speech in spotlight after Serbian mass shootings

15 May 2023  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Political Violence

In the wake of two mass shootings that left 18 dead and 21 injured, Serbia has initiated a gun amnesty, with over 13,500 weapons surrendered. President Aleksandar Vučić, criticized for fostering a climate of violence and hate speech, announced measures including a moratorium on new gun licenses and increased police presence in schools. The shootings have sparked protests and calls for political accountability, with many blaming Vučić's administration for the pervasive violence. The European Parliament has also highlighted Serbia's challenges in aligning with EU standards, particularly regarding media freedom and relations with Russia and Kosovo.

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Serbian Progressive Party Belgrade Centre for Security Policy European Parliament Reporters Without Borders

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