The Ministry of the Interior (MUP) has clearly denied claims that it requested the Military Security Agency (VSOA) to conduct an investigation to discover who is leaking confidential information to the media regarding the flights of President Zoran Milanović. According to information from MUP, the Directorate for Special Security Affairs, which is responsible for the security and protection of protected persons, did not contact VSOA, but instead, it informed the Security and Intelligence Agency (SOA) after data on the approximate time and route of the transport of protected persons began to circulate on social networks and in the public.

This situation has raised concerns within MUP due to the potential compromise of the security measures for the President of the Republic, which is why a threat assessment and security intelligence were requested from SOA. MUP emphasized that it is not authorized nor has it requested VSOA to conduct an investigation, as their jurisdiction is limited to military security, while this is a civilian matter.

It is important to point out that the author of the article, which made the incorrect claims, did not contact MUP to verify the information before publishing it. A similar mistake was made by other media outlets that published this incorrect information, including Večernji list, which also stated that MUP asked VSOA to investigate who is leaking confidential information about the President's flights. MUP urges journalists and media houses to verify the accuracy of information with relevant institutions before publishing it in the future, to avoid spreading misinformation and to maintain public trust.

This situation has again drawn attention to the security challenges faced by state institutions when it comes to protecting protected persons, but also to the importance of responsible and professional journalism. While information about security measures is often sensitive, irresponsible public disclosure of such information can have serious consequences. MUP, therefore, emphasizes that all relevant security agencies are fully involved in the protection of the highest state officials, and that mutual cooperation and coordination are crucial for the successful execution of these tasks.

This situation comes at a time when trust in security institutions is of paramount importance, and responsible informing of the public is becoming an increasingly significant challenge in the era of fast-spreading information via the internet and social networks. MUP, therefore, once again calls on all media to adhere to professional standards and to verify information before releasing it to the public.