Press freedom groups report rising attacks on journalists in Serbia and Kosovo

Media freedom organizations across the region reported a sharp increase in intimidation, physical violence, and restrictions against journalists and public figures in July and early August.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia recorded 19 incidents in July, including two physical assaults and 14 death threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented over 100 verbal attacks against media outlets by government and ruling party officials. In Belgrade, film director Stevan Filipović was physically assaulted on August 5 after photographing a group damaging a heritage building. President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the assault and called for prosecution.

In Kosovo, the Journalists' Association of Serbia protested Pristina's decision to deny accreditation to several Serbian-language media outlets during a parliamentary session.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Danas, N1, Tanjug