Danijel Sinani, the dean of the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade, was attacked in broad daylight on Čika Ljubina Street, raising concerns about the climate of violence and targeted harassment in Serbia. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. when Sinani was struck in the back of the head. He managed to protect himself from further blows by shielding his head with his hands, but during the assault, his wallet fell to the ground and was taken by the attacker. Sinani pursued the assailant but lost sight of him in the traffic congestion on Vasina Street.
Sinani, who did not suffer serious injuries, expressed his belief that the attack was not primarily motivated by theft. He suggested that the motives were partly rooted in a culture of violence and targeting perpetuated by tabloid media. “Given the insults directed at me by the attacker, I am certain that at least part of the motive stems from an atmosphere of violence, intolerance, lynching, and targeting that has been deliberately created through tabloid campaigns and hate speech,” Sinani stated.
The dean contradicted earlier media reports that described the attacker as a foreign minor, highlighting that the individual spoke perfect Serbian and had a beard. Sinani expressed gratitude towards the police and medical personnel for their professionalism and efficiency in handling the incident. He also thanked his friends, colleagues, and students for their support and solidarity, reassuring them that there is no cause for concern or fear.
The attack on Sinani has sparked a broader discussion about the role of media in Serbia, particularly tabloids, in fostering an environment that may incite violence against public figures. This incident is part of a pattern of harassment and violence against individuals who have been targeted by media narratives. In recent years, several public figures in Serbia have faced similar attacks, often linked to negative portrayals in the media.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić commented on the incident, describing the attacker as a “drug addict, thief” and stating that the police had apprehended the individual, who was reportedly a minor from another country. However, the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade dismissed claims that the attack was politically motivated, noting a lack of evidence to support such allegations.
The Faculty of Philosophy and its community have condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for measures to prevent similar incidents and protect members of the academic community. The faculty’s Instagram post described the attack as unacceptable and called for thorough investigations to establish the facts and prevent recurrence.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the political climate in Serbia. It underscores the potential consequences of media-driven narratives that target individuals, contributing to a culture of violence and harassment. The motivations behind the attack remain under investigation, and the broader implications for public discourse and safety in Serbia continue to be a subject of concern.
