Serbia records sharp rise in threats and attacks targeting journalists

Media associations and monitoring bodies in Serbia have reported a marked rise in physical violence, verbal hostility, and death threats targeting journalists and cultural figures.

Data published by the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia recorded 19 safety incidents in July, including two physical assaults and 14 direct security threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented at least 106 verbal attacks launched by government officials and ruling party representatives during the same period.

Recent incidents include death threats sent to the local news portal Volim Zrenjanin, a physical assault in Belgrade against film director Stevan Filipović, and harassment targeting editor Dragan J. Vučićević's family. Various media organizations have called on law enforcement and judicial authorities to thoroughly investigate all cases and hold perpetrators accountable.

Sources: Beta, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), Danas, N1, Tanjug