The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia has strongly rejected the claims made by Vojkan Kostić, editor-in-chief of the news agency Beta, calling them "malicious and inaccurate." These statements were made following Kostić's appearance in an informational interview after the police conducted a search of the apartment of military analyst Aleksandar Radić. According to the ministry’s statement, Kostić claimed he was summoned by the Criminal Police Directorate for alleged preparation of an act against the constitutional order and security of Serbia while he was merely performing his journalistic duties.
The ministry emphasized that its representatives acted strictly within the law and under the orders of the competent court when conducting the search of the property owned by Aleksander Radić in Vračar. During this operation, they discovered that Kostić had in his possession a mobile phone belonging to Radić. As per the police request, Kostić handed over the device for further operational procedures. The ministry stated that since this item could be potential evidence related to the commission of a criminal offense, the police had a legal obligation to respond and take all necessary procedural steps, including issuing an invitation for an informational interview with Kostić.
According to the ministry, this incident represents a deliberate and dangerous attempt to misuse regular, lawful, and professional police operations and portray them as an alleged attack on media freedom. However, the summons pertains specifically to concrete legal procedures rather than Kostić's professional reporting activities. The ministry reiterated its commitment to applying the law without discrimination, protecting the constitutional order, peace, and stability of the Republic of Serbia and all its citizens.
Kostić was released from the Criminal Police Directorate later that evening after providing a citizen's statement regarding the confiscation of the mobile phone. He mentioned that he was at a café with Radić when an inspector called him and asked Radić to come immediately to his apartment without explaining the reason. As a professional collaborator and friend of Radić, Kostić offered to accompany him, thinking there might have been a break-in. Upon arriving at the apartment, Radić gave him the phone because he needed to enter and attend the search, knowing many people would call once they heard about the situation.
Kostić explained that he remained outside the apartment to continue his coverage of the event and wait for the lawyer Radić had contacted, without whom the entire process could not begin. If there had been any intention behind the actions, he would have left the scene instead of staying for several more hours. His account highlights the circumstances surrounding his presence during the search and the reasons for his decision to remain at the location.
The police emphasized that their actions were in strict accordance with the law and based on the orders of the competent court. They clarified that the summoning of Kostić was part of the legal procedures required due to the potential evidence found, which does not relate to his professional journalistic work. The police also noted that their actions had no connection to Kostić, who was present at the scene during the search of one of Radić's apartments and was holding a mobile phone belonging to Radić, refusing to hand it over to the police officers, leading to the issuance of the summons for an informational interview.
Aleksandar Radić, the military analyst, was among the first individuals to publicly discuss the use of so-called "sound cannons" during protests on March 15, 2025. This context adds significance to the current situation involving the police search and the subsequent controversy over the nature of the legal procedures followed. The involvement of Radić in such discussions underscores the sensitivity of the case and the broader implications it may have for public discourse and media practices in Serbia.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will develop and whether further investigations into the alleged offenses attributed to Radić will proceed. The responses from both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the journalists involved highlight the complex interplay between law enforcement actions and media responsibilities, particularly in contexts where sensitive information and public interest intersect. The ongoing developments will likely influence future interactions between the media and law enforcement agencies in Serbia.
3 reports
Telegraf.rsParty-alignedConservativeFactual 90Objective 7014 days agoThe Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia has strongly rejected claims made by journalist V.K. of the Beta news agency, who stated he was summoned by the Criminal Police Directorate for alleged preparation of an act against Serbia's constitutional order and security, while he was merely performing his journalistic duties. The ministry clarified that police officers acted strictly according to the law and under court orders during a search at an object owned by A.R. in Vraca, where they found a mobile phone belonging to A.R., which V.K. then handed over to the police for further investigation. The ministry emphasized that the police had a legal obligation to react and take necessary procedural steps, including summoning V.K. for an informational interview, and described the situation as a deliberate attempt to misuse lawful and professional police actions and portray them as an attack on press freedom.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the police action as a legitimate and lawful operation conducted in accordance with court orders, emphasizing the protection of constitutional order and stability. It portrays the journalist's claims as misleading and attempts to discredit the police actions as an attack on press,
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 70): This article presents the MUP's official statement with accuracy and consistency with other sources. While it maintains a formal tone, there is some editorializing in the headline, which slightly reduces objectivity.
RepublikaParty-alignedConservativeFactual 88Objective 6814 days agoThe Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) has strongly denied allegations made by journalist V. K. of the Beta news agency, claiming they are false and malicious. The MUP states that police officers conducted a lawful search of an apartment owned by A. R. in Vračar as part of a preliminary investigation into potential criminal activity related to advocating violent changes to Serbia's constitutional order. During the search, police found a mobile phone belonging to A. R. with V. K., who refused to hand it over, prompting the police to issue him a summons for an informational interview. The MUP emphasizes that their actions were legal and professional, and that the summons was part of standard procedures, not an attack on press freedom. The prosecution in Belgrade clarified that the police action had no connection to V. K.'s journalistic work but was focused on the investigation involving A. R.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the MUP's response as a defense of lawfulness and constitutional order, emphasizing the legitimacy of police actions while dismissing the journalist's claims as 'malicious' and 'false'. It presents the MUP's perspective without significant counterbalance, reinforcing a narrative有利
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 68): The article provides a detailed account of the MUP's response and aligns with the cross-source consensus. The language is assertive but not overtly biased. However, the emphasis on protecting constitutional order may subtly favor the state's position, affecting objectivity.
N1 SrbijaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 6514 days agoThe Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs has rejected claims made by journalist Vojkan Kostić of news agency Beta regarding the search of the apartment of military analyst Aleksandar Radić. The ministry called these claims 'malicious and inaccurate,' stating that police had issued an invitation to Kostić under legal procedures related to potential criminal activity against Serbia's constitutional order. During the search, police found a mobile phone belonging to Radić in Kostić's possession, which he handed over for further investigation. Kostić claimed he was at the location by coincidence and offered to accompany Radić, believing there might have been a break-in. He stated he remained outside the apartment to continue his journalistic coverage and wait for Radić's lawyer before the process could begin.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the Ministry of Internal Affairs' response and the journalist's account without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both parties and does not use loaded language or omit significant context.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 65): The article accurately reports the MUP's response to Beta editor Vojkan Kostić's claims, aligning with the cross-source consensus. It includes details about the police action and the editor's release. However, the tone is somewhat defensive and emotionally charged, suggesting a lack of objectivity.
★
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