October 15, 2021
Marko Vidojković and Nenad Kulačin, authors of the podcast Dobar, loš, zao [The Good, The Bad & The Ugly], which is broadcast on the website Nova.rs, received six threats in just two days via social networks. The threats included, among other things, statements insisting that they would “receive a bullet” and “end up without their tongues”.
It was several days later that police announced that a 47-year-old man from Valjevo had been questioned on suspicion of sending threatening messages to Vidojković and Kulačin via his account on one social media network. Information regarding these threats was also submitted to the Working Group for the Security and Protection of Journalists, while an urgent procedure resulted in the case being taken on by the Republic Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The threats against these podcast authors coincided with a brutal offensive campaign launched against Vidojković by government officials and numerous pro-government media outlets. Vidojković, a well-known writer, directed foul language against Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in one broadcast.
Speaking to Cenzolovka after receiving the threats, Vidojković said that both authors felt a sense of immediate danger for their families. Unfortunately, that fear was soon realised – when an unknown man verbally assaulted Nenad Kulačin’s mother, saying that her “son should be hanged”.
Vidojković previously received similar threats, but the investigations “stalled”. The lawsuit that he filed against SNS vice president and New Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić was rejected because the prosecution didn’t consider Šapić’s message to Vidojković, “I would rip your heart out”, as being a threat.
