Serbia Defense Minister Criticized Over Sexist Remark

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Opposition parties and journalists' groups in Serbia have called for the ouster of the country's defense minister after he was heard making a crude sexual remark to a female reporter.

Minister Bratislav Gasic made a derogatory comment Sunday to the journalist from B92 Television who knelt down in front of him to avoid being in the way of the cameras.

Opposition parties and Serbia's Independent journalists' association on Monday demanded that Gasic be replaced. Left-leaning Democratic Party described Gasic's remaks as "bullying, sexism and verbal violence."

The country's equality watchdog also says the comments were "inadmissible and insulting."

Gasic has publicly apologized to the journalist, saying he "sincerely regretted" what he said. Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic says he is shocked by Gasic's "shameful behavior."