Media watchdog groups report surge in threats against journalists in Serbia

Watchdog organisations in Serbia have reported a sharp rise in intimidation, verbal hostility, and physical violence directed at reporters and cultural figures throughout July and early August.

According to the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia, 19 security violations took place in July, comprising 14 direct death threats and two physical assaults. Separately, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented at least 106 verbal attacks against media professionals by state and ruling party officials over the same timeframe.

Recent incidents include a death threat sent to local news outlet Volim Zrenjanin, an assault in Belgrade on film director Stevan Filipović, and the harassment of Informer editor Dragan J. Vučićević's family. Media associations and prosecutors have demanded swift action to hold perpetrators accountable across all cases.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Danas, N1, Tanjug