Serbian media groups report surge in threats against journalists during July

Media watchdogs in Serbia reported a sharp rise in hostility toward journalists during July. The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia documented 19 safety incidents, including two physical assaults and 14 death threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded over 100 verbal attacks against journalists by government officials and ruling party members.

In Belgrade, prosecutors opened an investigation following a physical attack on film director Stevan Filipović, who was beaten after photographing individuals damaging a protected historic site. President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the violence, calling on institutions to prosecute those responsible.

In Kosovo, the Journalists' Association of Serbia protested after several Serbian-language media outlets were denied entry to a parliamentary session in Pristina despite completing required accreditation. Separately, media groups highlighted new European Union transparency rules governing artificial intelligence content.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Danas, N1, Tanjug.