Serbian media bodies report surge in threats and physical assaults against journalists

Journalist associations and monitoring groups across Serbia have documented a sharp rise in threats, harassment, and violence directed at media workers and public figures.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia registered 19 security incidents during July, including 14 death threats and two physical assaults. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented at least 106 verbal attacks by state officials and ruling party representatives against journalists. Recent incidents include online death threats targeting the editor of local outlet Volim Zrenjanin and a physical assault on film director Stevan Filipović in central Belgrade.

Simultaneously, the Association of Journalists of Serbia condemned intimidation aimed at pro-government media figures, including harassment at the home of Informer editor Dragan J. Vučićević. Media organisations across the spectrum have called on police and judicial authorities to swiftly investigate and prosecute all perpetrators.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Danas, N1, Tanjug