AJM Urges Immediate Institutional Response to Threats Against Journalist Vidinovski
The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) strongly condemns the serious online attacks, insults, belittlements, and death threats directed at TV Kanal 5 journalist, Aleksandar Vidinovski, following the publication of his video on social media highlighting improperly parked vehicles on the sidewalk in front of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Skopje.
The messages, containing offensive, chauvinistic, and hate-filled content, as well as direct threats to life (“death to you”), represent a severe violation of the right to freedom of expression and a direct threat to the journalist’s safety. These attacks are intended to intimidate and exert pressure on journalists for reporting on matters of public interest.
Through its legal team, AJM has provided legal assistance to journalist Aleksandar Vidinovski and has filed a report with the Ministry of Interior. We expect the competent authorities to act promptly, identify the perpetrators, and ensure an appropriate institutional response in accordance with their legal responsibilities.
We remind that journalist Vidinovski was reporting on a matter of public interest – illegal parking on public property – which was also raised by citizens and addressed by the Ministry of Interior. Journalists must not become targets of threats, insults, or hate speech due to their professional work.
AJM expresses full support and solidarity with our colleague Aleksandar Vidinovski and appeals to institutions to ensure that cases of online violence and hate speech against journalists do not go unpunished.
AJM will continue to closely monitor this case and utilize all available mechanisms to protect journalists and media workers.
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