Serbian media groups report surge in attacks and threats against journalists

Journalist associations and media monitoring groups in Serbia have reported a sharp rise in threats, harassment, and violence targeting media professionals and public figures.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia documented 19 safety incidents in July, comprising two physical assaults and 17 threats against journalists. Meanwhile, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded at least 106 verbal attacks directed at reporters by state representatives and ruling party officials over the same period.

Recent episodes have targeted diverse media actors, ranging from death threats sent to the regional portal Volim Zrenjanin to harassment outside the home of tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević. In Belgrade, prosecutors have opened an investigation into the physical assault of film director Stevan Filipović. Various press associations across the country have urged law enforcement authorities to promptly investigate all incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.

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