Serbian media watchdogs and groups raise alarm over surging attacks and intimidation

Watchdog organizations and press associations in Serbia have registered a surge in physical attacks, intimidation, and verbal harassment targeting journalists and cultural figures.

According to the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia, July saw 19 safety incidents affecting media personnel, including two physical assaults and 14 direct death threats. Meanwhile, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented at least 106 verbal attacks on the press by state officials and ruling coalition representatives over the same period.

Recent incidents have spanned diverse media organizations. The Journalists' Association of Serbia urged authorities to identify and prosecute individuals behind death threats sent to local outlet Volim Zrenjanin, while the Association of Independent Media condemned intimidation targeting editor Dragan J. Vučićević. Separately, Belgrade prosecutors opened an inquiry after film director Stevan Filipović was assaulted in the capital.

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