The decision concerns the wars in the former Yugoslavia.
The Hamburg court has prohibited the German magazine Der Spiegel from linking Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to the so-called 'manhunt' in Sarajevo during the siege of the city from 1992 to 1995. The corresponding decision was made by the Hamburg Regional Court.
According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, which had access to the court's decision, Spiegel can no longer disseminate false information suggesting that Vucic participated in the targeted killing of civilians. In case of violation of the ban, the magazine faces a fine of up to 250,000 euros.
The court deemed the manner of presenting the material unacceptable and unbalanced, grossly violating the general rights of the Serbian president. The magazine is particularly prohibited from spreading claims that Vucic served as a volunteer in a paramilitary formation at the Jewish cemetery in Sarajevo in his youth and that he interacted there with foreign 'manhunters.'
In justifying its decision, the judges emphasized that the magazine violated the presumption of innocence: serious accusations were published as the editorial's own conclusions, while the publication did not even contact Vucic for a comment. Der Spiegel confirmed receipt of the ban and stated that it would adjust its work but still stands by its investigation.
Belgrade continues to refuse to impose sanctions against Moscow. 'Serbia's position is complicated, and we have managed to maintain our independence and sovereignty in decision-making, which is extremely difficult. I have no doubt that there will be many challenges in the future,' Vucic said.
