REM the ruling elite does not need it and the consequences of not electing its Council are catastrophic, said the executive director Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia Mileva Malešić.
Stating that the consequences of that failure to choose can be seen every day on the media scene in Serbia, Mileva Malešić stated that they are reflected through televisions that spread hate speech, but also the disparagement of all normal values.
"We see a pub atmosphere in certain media, and no one gives an official opinion about it or takes any measures," she told the FoNet agency.
She emphasized that REM's task was precisely to direct and control - not to punish as a last resort, but to act preventively so that such things do not happen.
However, as Mileva Malešić adds, one process failed, and then another, judging that one could say that the reason for this was the resignation of the elected members, including her.
"I can only say with a clear conscience that we could not overcome the violation of the law to such an extent, and I think that at that moment the only honorable thing was to point out all that and try to correct it and move forward in refining that process. And when it could not go any further, we submitted our resignations," explained Mileva Malešić.
In order for REM to be constituted, she stated that at least the majority of members had to be elected, that is, it would be best if all nine members were elected.
It is immoral for REM members to receive a salary
Commenting on the remaining four members, Mileva Malešić assessed that what is happening now that they are there and receiving a salary may be according to the law, but that in her opinion it is immoral and unethical.
"Whether it will be a complete process or only a partial one, I don't want to speculate on that. I just know that without a high-quality REM Council that would do the things specified by law, the situation on the media scene in Serbia is getting worse and worse," she said.
She pointed out that REM is not needed by the "ruling elite" who want another election without media control, without professional media.
When asked about the announced elections, Mileva Mališić said that she believes that there will be elections, but also that they will be held without a process for selecting REM.
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