On the occasion of an interview with a multiple perpetrator of crimes against sexual freedom, which disturbed the public, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, points out that a sensationalist approach to such topics is unacceptable and extremely harmful. Such an interview does not serve the purpose, because it lacks context and sensibility, and does not avoid disturbing the public and exposing the victims to additional victimization and suffering. The media should comprehensively provide relevant information, respect professional and ethical standards, keeping in mind, first of all, the protection of victims, rather than inspiring non-institutional solutions to this complex issue and taking justice into one’s own hands.

The sensationalist approach infringes society’s efforts to solve the big problem of gender-based violence that we as a society are facing. Public discussion about the psycho-social treatment of returnees is a desirable topic, and the role of the media is very important here, which is precisely what this example demonstrates, showing the necessity of an adequate institutional response to problems in the resocialization of multiple returnees.

The Commissioner also reminds that they sent the Ministry of Justice an initiative to amend the Law on Execution of Criminal Sanctions, in order to prescribe an obligation of the competent authorities to always inform ex officio the victim of the release or escape of the convicted person from prison in all cases of gender-based and domestic violence. In addition, this case also points to the need to consider changes in regulations from the perspective of the position of convicted persons and measures after a prison sentence is served, with the aim of re-socializing multiple returnees.