Serbian media watchdogs report rise 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 period.

Recent incidents have prompted investigations and widespread condemnation across the media landscape. Authorities are probing death threats against local news portal Volim Zrenjanin, as well as an assault in Belgrade against director Stevan Filipović. Additionally, media associations have condemned harassment directed at journalists across different outlets, including the intimidation of editor Dragan J. Vučićević's family.

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