AJM calls for an urgent investigation into the burned vehicle of SDK.MK’s correspondent

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) strongly condemns the incident in which the vehicle of SAKAMDAKAZHAM.MK journalist Suzana Vrencovska from Ohrid was set on fire. The vehicle was burned on January 5, 2025, in the yard of the family home, inside the garage where it was parked. According to initial information, there is suspicion that this was a deliberately caused act. We call on the Ministry of Interior to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to establish all details and motives behind this serious incident.

This case highlights a concerning trend of increasing risks faced by journalists in the country. Moreover, this is not an isolated incident. In October 2024, the vehicle of colleague Blagoj Sershemov, editor of the local television and online media outlet M-Net from Shtip, was also set on fire. Although the motives behind these attacks are yet to be determined, it is important to emphasize that such incidents, if left without legal resolution, can create a sense of insecurity among journalists and undermine their work in the service of the public interest.

We call on the relevant institutions to take urgent and concrete measures to fully clarify both cases, and the perpetrators must be identified and appropriately sanctioned. Impunity is unacceptable, and room for speculation in public discourse must not be allowed. Swift action is crucial to preserving freedom of expression and preventing self-censorship among journalists.

January 6, 2025
Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM)