Serbian media watchdogs report sharp increase in threats against journalists

Serbian press associations and monitoring groups have registered a marked surge in hostility, verbal harassment, and safety risks directed at media professionals and cultural figures.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia documented 19 safety incidents during July, comprising two physical assaults, three general threats, and 14 instances involving death threats or endangered personal security. Over the same period, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded at least 106 verbal attacks launched by state authorities and ruling Serbian Progressive Party officials against journalists.

The data follows several high-profile incidents across the country. The Journalists' Association of Serbia urged authorities to identify individuals behind online death threats sent to local news outlet Volim Zrenjanin. Concurrently, prosecutors opened an investigation after film director Stevan Filipović was assaulted in central Belgrade, while media associations condemned intimidation targeting the family of tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević.

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