Press freedom groups report rising attacks and restrictions in Serbia and Kosovo

Press freedom groups in Serbia and Kosovo have raised concerns over a rising wave of threats, physical attacks, and reporting restrictions.

In Serbia, the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia recorded 19 safety incidents in July, including two physical assaults and 14 death threats. Separately, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation reported over 100 verbal attacks by government and ruling party officials targeting journalists during the same period.

In Belgrade, authorities launched an investigation after film director Stevan Filipović was physically assaulted on August 5. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the violence and urged prosecution.

Meanwhile, the Journalists' Association of Serbia protested Pristina's decision to deny several Serbian-language outlets access to cover Kosovo's parliamentary session. Additionally, Serbian media associations highlighted new European Union rules requiring public transparency regarding artificial intelligence content.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Danas, N1, Tanjug.