The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Milan Antonijević, points out that public events and media programs, especially those taking place in the presence of the highest state officials, carry increased responsibility regarding the messages sent to the public.

In this regard, the public performance of songs or other content that may be perceived as demeaning, stereotyping, or hostile toward members of a particular ethnic or religious community is not in line with the values of equality, mutual respect, and social cohesion protected by the Constitution, laws, and policies of the Republic of Serbia, nor with European human rights standards.

Regardless of the intention or context in which such content is presented, its broadcasting may contribute to the normalization of speech that deepens divisions and creates a sense of exclusion among citizens, which is particularly sensitive in a society with complex historical and intercultural relations.

The Commissioner specifically reminds that public officials, through their presence and behavior in public space, have both the opportunity and responsibility to respond to content that may be contrary to the principles of equality and respect for human rights, and through their actions clearly demonstrate that such messages are unacceptable in a democratic society.

Media outlets and holders of public office are called upon to affirm, through their actions, a culture of dialogue, respect for diversity, and zero tolerance for discrimination and speech that may encourage intolerance.

In a democratic society, responsibility for responding does not rest with a single institution alone. Regulatory and self-regulatory bodies, as well as public officials and the media, have clear competencies and opportunities to react when content that may be discriminatory or exclusionary appears in the public sphere. I expect everyone, within their respective authorities, to act responsibly and in accordance with the law and European standards, and I call on all actors in the public space to show additional care and responsibility in the content they disseminate, in order to contribute to strengthening trust, equality, and social solidarity, Antonijević stated.