Two years since the tragedy in Novi Sad: "The awning collapsed due to corruption."

ReporterIndependentConservativeNov 3

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić pardoned 49 individuals shortly before stepping down on September 27, including former high-ranking state officials and those accused of attacking students during protests. Among the pardoned were Dijana Hrkalović, a former state secretary at the Ministry of Interior charged with trading influence, and Dragan Živadinović, a former court president accused of abuse of office. The list also included a man convicted of attempted murder for driving into a student in Belgrade, five men accused of assaulting anti-government protesters in Novi Sad, and 12 opposition activists charged with preparing acts against the constitutional order. Higher courts in Novi Sad and Belgrade published partial lists based on decisions from the Ministry of Justice, though the identities of 26 other individuals remain unknown. Vučić stated in a television interview that his opponents cannot change these presidential pardons.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses emotionally charged language describing the pardon of 'attackers' rather than 'accused persons', framing the act negatively while omitting legal nuances regarding pending appeals or specific charges.

Siol.netState / PublicCenterNov 3

Higher courts in Novi Sad and Belgrade published the names of 23 individuals pardoned by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić shortly before his resignation on September 27, while the identities of the remaining 26 pardoned persons remain undisclosed. The list includes former high-ranking state officials, such as a former state secretary accused of trading influence and a former court president charged with abuse of position. It also features men convicted of violent attacks on students and anti-government protesters in Novi Sad, including a man who drove a car into a student during a memorial ceremony. Additionally, twelve opposition and student activists were pardoned on charges related to preparing acts against the constitutional order and inciting violent change. In a statement to Pink television, Vučić noted that the public knows only two or three of these names and asserted that his political opponents cannot alter the pardons he signed.

Bias read (Center): The report neutrally lists specific legal charges and convictions associated with the pardoned individuals without employing loaded adjectives or taking a stance on the legitimacy of the presidential action.

STA – Slovenska tiskovna agencijaState / PublicProgressiveNov 3

The Higher Courts in Novi Sad and Belgrade published the names of 23 individuals who were pardoned by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic shortly before he stepped down. Among those granted clemency are former high-ranking state officials and persons accused of attacks on students. One specific case mentioned involves a man who struck a female student with his car. This information was reported by Serbian media outlets.

Bias read (Progressive): The headline uses the word 'tudi' (also/even) to highlight the inclusion of violent offenders alongside officials, implying criticism of the president's leniency toward serious crimes.

MladinaIndependentProgressiveNov 2

The Higher Courts in Novi Sad and Belgrade published a partial list of 23 individuals pardoned by former Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić before his resignation on September 27. The list includes high-ranking state officials, such as former State Secretary Dijana Hrkalovic and former court president Dragan Zivadinovic, who faced charges related to abuse of power and obstruction of justice. It also features a man accused of attempted murder for driving into a student during a memorial event, as well as five men charged with violent attacks on anti-government protesters in Novi Sad. Additionally, twelve opposition and student activists were pardoned despite facing serious charges including preparing acts against the constitutional order. Vučić stated in a television interview that he signed these pardons as head of state and asserted that his political opponents cannot reverse them.

Bias read (Progressive): The headline emphasizes the controversial pardon of a violent offender over standard legal procedures, while the body highlights the inclusion of opposition activists and the president's defiant dismissal of political criticism.

RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicConservativeNov 1

Citizens in Novi Sad, Serbia, are preparing to mark the second anniversary of the railway station canopy collapse that killed 16 people by gathering for a moment of silence. The article highlights ongoing public frustration over the lack of accountability, noting that no one has been held responsible for the project described as riddled with corruption. This perceived failure by authorities and the judiciary contributed to mass protests and a recent change in government ahead of upcoming elections. Zoran Djajic, a former project supervisor turned whistleblower and newly elected student-list MP, claims the structure collapsed due to organized corruption and alleges that President Aleksandar Vucic stole ten million euros from the construction budget. Djajic identifies Chinese companies and a main Serbian subcontractor as primarily responsible while stating he knows the identities of approximately ten other individuals who have not yet been indicted but bear direct responsibility.

Bias read (Conservative): The article relies exclusively on a critical whistleblower to make severe allegations of theft against the president, omitting any defense or counter-evidence from the accused parties.