Dunja Mijatović: The verdict for the murder of Ćuruvija is one of the most important decisions for the safety of journalists in recent decades

„The safety of journalists and impunity for crimes against journalists are long-standing issues in Serbia. Therefore, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the conviction in April 2019 of the perpetrators responsible for the killing of Slavko Ćuruvija was one of the most important developments for media freedom and the safety of journalists in Serbia in decades,” says Dunja Mijatovic, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in the statement for Cenzolovka.

„I cannot stress enough how important it is to bring this case to a close promptly so that justice is fully served,“ says Mijatovic

Mijatovic has emphasized that this conviction, that came 20 years after the murder, „Has given some measure of justice to Slavko Curuvija’s family and fellow journalists, who are now awaiting the result of the pending appeal proceedings.“

“It is equally important that the authorities bring to justice the masterminds and the perpetrators of the murders of the journalists Radislava Dada Vujasinović and Milan Pantić, who were killed in1994 and 2001 respectively”, says Mijatovic, reminding that  the authorities have an obligation to protect the lives of threatened journalists, as well as that “All forms of violence targeting media professionals, must be effectively investigated, prosecuted and punished.“

Dunja Mijatovic was elected to the position of the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights in 2018. Before that, she was OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media between 2010 to 2016.