Serbian media associations report rising threats and violence against journalists

Journalism organizations in Serbia reported a significant escalation in hostility and physical incidents targeting media workers throughout July and early August. According to the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia, 19 security incidents were documented in July alone, including 14 physical threats and two assaults. Meanwhile, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation logged over 100 verbal attacks, pointing primarily to statements by ruling Serbian Progressive Party officials.

Recent cases include online death threats against the local portal Volim Zrenjanin, the beating of film director Stevan Filipović in Belgrade, and targeted harassment at the home of tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević. Prosecutors have opened investigations into several incidents, while media groups across the political spectrum called on authorities to prosecute offenders and curb rhetoric that endangers reporters.

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