Serbian media groups report sharp increase in threats and assaults

Media associations and press freedom watchdogs in Serbia have highlighted an alarming rise in hostility and threats directed against journalists and cultural figures.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia documented 19 safety incidents in July, including two physical assaults and 14 direct security threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded over 100 verbal attacks initiated by government officials and ruling party representatives against media outlets.

Specific incidents include a death threat sent to the regional portal Volim Zrenjanin, an intimidation attempt at the residence of editor Dragan J. Vučićević, and the physical assault of film director Stevan Filipović in Belgrade. While multiple media organisations and state officials have condemned the violence and demanded swift legal accountability, monitoring groups warn of an increasingly precarious environment for media workers.

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