A Belgrade court has convicted two Serbian media editors, Dragan Vučićević and Dejan Vukelić, for insulting the renowned film director Emir Kusturica. The Second Basic Court in Belgrade issued the verdict on September 21, 2026, sentencing the men to fines.

The ruling stems from a case brought by Kusturica’s legal team at the Tomović law office. In a statement, the office said the convictions represent “significant and necessary judicial protection” against those who use their power to discredit and disparage political opponents. The lawyers framed the case as part of a broader campaign by pro-government propaganda outlets.

They argued that while a coordinated effort by state-aligned media to spread falsehoods and insults is a common political tactic, it has limited effect when confronted with professional and personal integrity. The case highlights ongoing tensions over media freedom and the use of defamation laws in Serbia’s political landscape.