Voice of America apologizes for running fake news about coronavirus death in Serbia

Photo: Tanjug/AP

Voice of America reported the fake news that one person in Serbia had died of coronavirus, and today issued an apology to the public.

"The newsroom of Voice of America in Serbian apologizes for the news that was mistakenly posted on our website - GlasAmerike.net - yesterday. The inaccurate news said that Voice of America unofficially learned that the first death from coronavirus had been recorded in Serbia," said the message posted on the site.

Voice of America stresses that it regrets misleading a part of the public, especially at a time when the entire world is in a state of great concern about coronavirus.

It is pointed out that today, perhaps more than ever before, it is extremely important to publish accurate and verified information, which, as stated, has been the principle of operation of the Serbian Voice of America service for almost 77 years.

The text recalls that during a news conference on Thursday, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic urged not to spread fake news and that people should not fall for them.

"Please, let it never happen again that me must spend two days apologizing to people (explaining) that their loved ones did not die, because Voice of America published and social media carried the news that some people died. Please do not spread lies," said Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs)