The Collegium of Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) and the editorial team of the RTS Correspondence Office have responded to the remarks made by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who insulted RTS journalist Lidija Georgijev at a rally in Bor by referring to her as an “imbecile.”

“No public office holder, regardless of their political background, has the right to speak about our colleagues in such a derogatory manner. ” RTS stands as the only media outlet that, despite its shortcomings, strives to uphold a spirit of tolerance in its programming and foster dialogue between conflicting political factions. As such, we call upon all public officials to respect our journalists and the organization that aims to preserve civility and decency in our society,” stated the RTS board.

The Correspondence editorial team also released a statement.

“The editorial staff of the RTS Correspondence Office vehemently condemns the remarks made by the President, which insulted our colleague Lidija Georgijev, the editor of the RTS Correspondence Office in Niš, thus affecting all members of the Niš Correspondence Office. We demand a public apology. We also denounce any form of pressure and all attacks on media professionals by both the authorities and opposition. We wish to carry out our work free from pressure. We urge all political actors to cease attempts to regulate and control the media,” the statement from the RTS Correspondence Office editorial team, signed by Gordana Jakovljević, editor-in-chief, reads.

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