Press watchdogs report surge in threats against journalists in Serbia and Kosovo

Media watchdogs in Serbia reported a sharp increase in threats against journalists in July. The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia documented 19 safety violations, including two physical assaults and 14 death threats. Separately, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded over 100 verbal attacks by government officials and ruling party members during the same period.

In Belgrade, prosecutors opened an investigation following an assault on director Stevan Filipović, who claimed he was targeted while photographing damage to a historic building. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić publicly condemned the attack and called for immediate prosecution.

Meanwhile, media organizations in Kosovo protested after several Serbian-language outlets were denied access to a parliamentary session in Pristina despite submitting proper accreditation requests. Additionally, journalism groups highlighted new European Union regulations requiring clear disclosures when artificial intelligence produces or alters media content.

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