Serbian media groups raise alarm over wave of threats and physical assaults

Media watchdogs and press associations in Serbia are raising alarms over an escalating wave of threats and violence against journalists and cultural figures.

Monitoring by the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS) documented 19 safety incidents involving media professionals in July, including two physical assaults, 14 direct safety threats, and three other harassment cases. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded over 100 verbal attacks against reporters launched by state representatives and ruling party officials during the same period.

Recent incidents include regional outlet Volim Zrenjanin receiving death threats online, an intimidation attempt outside the home of tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević, and the physical assault of film director Stevan Filipović in Belgrade. Press organisations across the country have called on law enforcement authorities to promptly identify and prosecute all perpetrators.

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