The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), today condemned a decision by the management of Croatian football club GNK Dinamo Zagreb prohibiting journalists from web portal Index.hr from attending any matches or training sessions at Maksimir Stadium, the club’s home grounds.
The club’s management reportedly based its decision on dissatisfaction with Index.hr’s reporting.
“Football matches are public events and all journalists should have the equal right to report from them”, SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said. “This kind of behaviour towards media representatives is unacceptable. Any selectivity in who can report or any ban blocks journalists from doing their daily job. Sport clubs should be examples in showing tolerance and a club must also be open to critical reporters.”
SEEMO urged GNK Dinamo Zagreb’s management to keep the stadium open to all media and journalists who wish to report from football matches, trainings, press conferences and other events or activities organised by the club.
The group also called on the City of Zagreb, the stadium’s owner, and other responsible authorities in Croatia to reject GNK Dinamo Zagreb’s decision and to protect journalists’ ability to move and to report freely.