The international fact control network has deep concerns about recent harassment against Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA) in Serbia. CRA is a non -party civil society group that runs Istinomer.rs, a verified signing of IFCN principles. Such harassment can have chilly effects on independent liability journalism, including the work of the facts. CRTA is a respected part of the international fact control society and should be able to continue its work without threats.

CRTA has been directed by many online accounts since financing from USAID. In a statement to IFCN, CRTA has noted threats to its director, Vukosava Crnjanski, including incorrect claims that she “plays a key role behind the plans to overthrow (Serbian President Aleksandar) Vučić.” Such claims are false and unfounded. CRTA has a strong record to work to improve the conditions for justice and free elections without partisanship. USAID financing For CRTA went to anti -corruption campaigns to promote the government’s responsibility. Its Istinomer project has been a respected member of the fact-control community with good status.

IFCN P.Ublicly condemns the orchestrated batter campaigns against civil society actors in Serbia and urges Serbian authorities to ensure security and fundamental rights for all representatives of civil society, especially those facing explicit threats.

CRA’s Istinomer has been a long -term signing of the principle code and received its first independent assessment and successful approval 2017. Facts Checkers who voluntarily log in to Principles And go through a verification process to prove that they meet universal standards for openness, independence, non -partisanship and methodology.

The principle code is administered by IFCN, a global society by fact control organizations based on the Poynter Institute, an American non -profit that supports independent journalism. Fact control organizations are evaluated by an independent academic or media expert who is familiar with the local context, with the results verified by IFCN Advisory Board by peer-elected leaders from all over the world.

IFCN was founded in 2015 and devoted itself to supporting freedom of the press and fact checkers globally, including Our signers. Crta and Istinomer deserve to continue publishing the explanatory journalism and fact controls that keep the government, political parties and candidates responsible without threats of reprisals.