Serbian media watchdogs document surge in threats and attacks against journalists

Media rights groups in Serbia have documented an increase in hostility, intimidation, and physical attacks directed at journalists and media outlets.

According to the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia, 19 safety incidents occurred in July, including two physical assaults and 14 direct security threats. The Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation separately recorded at least 106 verbal attacks made by state officials and members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party during the same timeframe.

Recent incidents have prompted multiple investigations and widespread condemnation. Prosecutors are probing death threats sent to the local news portal Volim Zrenjanin and an assault in Belgrade against director Stevan Filipović. Meanwhile, the Association of Journalists of Serbia and other media bodies have denounced attacks across the political spectrum, including intimidation targeting the family of editor Dragan J. Vučićević.

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