By: Dr Metod Berlec
The co-coordinator of Levica and Minister of Culture, Asta Vrečko, unintentionally revealed something that we at Demokracija had been pointing out for a long time: whenever a media outlet opens a topic or reminds the public of an affair that is uncomfortable for those in power, pressure and smearing begin instead of arguments.
This time, it comes in the form of an announced damages lawsuit against our editorial office because of the Demokracija cover and articles about the Fotopub affair. But the essence is simple: the media have a duty to point out questionable conduct, especially when public figures and holders of power are involved. The Fotopub affair has been a story that has been sitting in institutional drawers for more than three years, while the main actor, Dušan Smodej, walks freely abroad. Apparently with financial help from those he associated with in the past and who have an interest in him not speaking to law‑enforcement authorities, and implicating them. Among them were prominent representatives of the left “artistic elite,” including visible members of Levica, which is a fact that cannot be erased by attacking the media. Minister Asta Vrečko even gave Smodej an interview, which is publicly accessible and verifiable. And that is precisely why it is important to talk and write about this. When suspicions of abuse arise within left‑leaning economic, cultural, or political circles, silence, relativisation, and delays follow. But when it concerns right‑leaning politicians, investigations proceed extremely quickly, and the dominant media report on them in a coordinated manner. These are not our assumptions but facts that any citizen following events in our country can observe.
It is worth recalling an important ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in the case Grims v. Mladina. The ECtHR clearly stated that politicians are absolute public figures and must therefore tolerate sharp, even provocative criticism. This is not a privilege of the media but a foundation of democratic debate. If politicians could silence every critical voice, freedom of expression would become an empty phrase. It is therefore not surprising that our cover triggered such a reaction. It apparently struck at the living tissue of cultural‑political connections that prefer to remain unnoticed. And when something is revealed that should be the subject of serious public discussion, a lawsuit is filed instead of accountability. This is already the fifth lawsuit against Demokracija, filed by representatives of the ruling left‑wing coalition. By those in power. If this is not an attempt to silence a critical media outlet, then I truly do not know what is. But we will not yield. We will not be intimidated, and we will not abandon our mission.
Media freedom is not a privilege; it is the foundation of a democratic society. And that is why we will continue to keep an eye on those who hold power, influence, and money and who believe they can do whatever they want – whether they like it or not. Our duty is clear: to uncover stories others keep quiet about, to point out double standards, and to defend citizens’ right to be informed. If this is uncomfortable for someone, that is their problem, not ours.