We, professors of communication, media and journalism, and social sciences scholars from universities across Europe, strongly condemn the recent attacks launched by pro-regime media in Serbia against our colleague, Associate Professor Jelena Kleut of the University of Novi Sad.

In particular, we are referring to episode Meduza 2 of Dosje (eks)katedra programme aired on 18 September 2025 on B92 and Prva television. In the programme, Associate Professor Kleut is depicted in highly derogatory terms, being described, among other things, as a “venomous snake” whose alleged influence is said to poison both the academic community in Serbia and the minds of students. Furthermore, she is branded as a supposed collaborator with foreign secret services through her involvement in various pedagogical and research programmes—an insinuation clearly intended to discredit her scholarly reputation.

These orchestrated smear campaigns and public pressures are unacceptable and deeply concerning. By targeting Jelena Kleut and other colleagues from Universities of Belgarde and Novi Sad, certain media outlets in Serbia create an atmosphere of intimidation that undermines both their academic integrity and their personal safety, leaving them vulnerable to harassment and even physical attacks. Such propaganda not only threatens individual scholars but also strikes at the core values of academic freedom and freedom of expression.

Jelena Kleut is an esteemed member of the European community of communication, media and journalism scholars. Her research critically examines the dynamics of audiences and journalism, particularly in contexts of new media and illiberal regimes where freedom of speech is coerced. She has contributed significantly to international scholarship and academic solidarity. Her work bridges scholarship and activism, uniting academics, journalists, non-profit organizations, and students in advancing media freedom and strengthening democratic values.

It is precisely this combination of rigorous scholarship, civic engagement, and leadership that makes Jelena Kleut a vital figure in Serbian society and European academia. The attacks against her are not only an assault on her personal and professional reputation, but also a broader attack on the principles of a free, open, and democratic society.

We, the undersigned, stand in full solidarity with Associate Professor Jelena Kleut. We demand guarantees of academic freedom, freedom of speech, and personal safety for all scholars in Serbia and beyond. We call on European political and scientific institutions to recognize these threats as part of a wider pattern of repression against critical voices in Serbia, and to take a strong stance in defending the rights of academics and journalists alike.

Jelena Kleut has our unwavering support in her work, her research, and her resistance against all forms of intimidation and oppression.

25 September 2025

Professor Igor Vobič, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Professor Lejla Turčilo, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Associate Professor Ilija Tomanić Trivundža, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia