Serbian media associations report surge in threats and attacks against journalists

Press freedom organisations and media associations in Serbia have raised alarms over increasing threats, harassment, and violence directed at reporters and public figures.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia registered 19 security violations during July, including two physical assaults and 14 direct death threats. In a related monitoring effort, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded at least 106 verbal attacks on journalists by state and ruling party officials over the same period.

Recent incidents include online death threats sent to the local news portal Volim Zrenjanin, an assault in Belgrade on film director Stevan Filipović, and intimidation targeting the private residence of Informer editor Dragan J. Vučićević. Media organisations and state authorities have called for swift investigations into all reported offences.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Danas, N1, Tanjug