The legal proceedings involving the Serbian company “Milenijum tim” and journalist Maja Nikolić have been postponed once again. The delay occurred because Stojan Vujko, the legal representative for “Milenijum tim,” failed to appear for the hearing at the Third Basic Court in Belgrade. This marks the second time Vujko has justified his absence on official grounds. The company is pursuing a private criminal lawsuit against Nikolić, seeking a one-year prison sentence for allegedly harming its business reputation and creditworthiness through her reporting.
The lawsuit, initiated in February, centers around an article published by Nikolić on January 15, which discussed the purchase of the “Jugoslavija” hotel and alleged state subsidies that purportedly favored wealthy companies, including “Milenijum tim.” The company contends that the article contains false statements about its operations, suggesting that state funds are directed to companies close to the government, thereby damaging its reputation.
Nikolić’s lawyer, Nevena Marinković, argues that the lawsuit is an abuse of the legal process intended to limit freedom of expression. Marinković asserts that the legal elements required to prove the alleged criminal offense are not met, as Nikolić did not present false information nor intend to damage the company’s reputation or creditworthiness. The lawyer also highlighted the procedural delays, suggesting they might aim to induce self-censorship among journalists and deter them from reporting on sensitive topics.
The judge has instructed the lawyer representing “Milenijum tim” to provide dates within the next 15 days when Vujko will be available in Belgrade, ensuring that the next hearing can proceed. Marinković expressed hope that the upcoming hearing would finally take place.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about press freedom in Serbia, where journalists often face legal and political pressures. The Serbian Association of Journalists has previously reported similar instances where legal actions were perceived as attempts to intimidate the media. The absence of Vujko at the hearings raises questions about the seriousness of the lawsuit and the motivations behind the repeated delays.
The implications of this legal battle extend beyond the courtroom, potentially affecting journalistic integrity and freedom of expression in Serbia. Legal experts and press freedom advocates have voiced concerns about the chilling effect such lawsuits can have on journalists, who may become wary of reporting on powerful entities or controversial subjects. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, impacting the broader media landscape in Serbia.
