Comparing students, citizens of the Republic of Serbia, who are walking from Novi Pazar to Novi Sad, to “Islamic fanatics,” “trained extremists,” and calling them “veiled,” “Hamas members,” as has been heard in broadcasts on Informer TV and Pink TV in recent days, is prohibited by law because it constitutes hate speech and creates fear, as well as a humiliating and hostile environment toward members of the Islamic faith, warns Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković.

When certain media outlets insult individuals or groups in such or similar ways because of their religious, national, or other affiliation and create an intimidating environment, it does not represent merely unethical journalism, but can incite hatred, discrimination, and violence, especially when the current and complex social context is taken into account. Hatred and discrimination must not be allowed to fuel various tensions, conflicts, and geopolitical crises and spill over into our society, which is already overly burdened by polarization, emphasizes Janković.

She reminds that the rights to freedom of thought, religion, or political belief, as well as the right to non-discrimination, are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia and the Law on the Prohibition of Discrimination, as well as numerous international documents ratified by our country, including the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Furthermore, according to the Law on Public Information and the Media, it is prohibited to publish ideas, information, and opinions that incite discrimination, hatred, or violence against an individual or group of individuals because of their affiliation to a particular race, religion, nation, gender, or other personal characteristic.

All media are obliged to act in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and the highest professional standards. Freedom of expression is of key importance for the development of a democratic society, but this freedom must not be used as an excuse for any form of discrimination, incitement to discrimination, or denigration based on any personal attribute. The role of the media is, among other things, to encourage and promote respect for human rights, diversity, and tolerance, concludes the Commissioner.