Serbian media groups warn of surging threats and hostility

Media associations and press monitoring organisations in Serbia have highlighted a sharp rise in threats, verbal attacks, and physical violence targeting journalists and cultural figures.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia recorded 19 safety violations during July, including 14 death threats and two physical assaults. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented more than 100 verbal attacks directed at media workers by state and ruling party officials over the same period.

Recent incidents include an online death threat against the local outlet Volim Zrenjanin, which prompted journalist associations to demand an urgent investigation. In Belgrade, prosecutors opened an inquiry after film director Stevan Filipović was assaulted in the capital. Meanwhile, media organisations also condemned intimidation directed at the family of pro-government tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević, warning against the worsening climate of hostility.

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