Serbian media watchdogs report sharp rise in threats against journalists

Serbian press associations reported a surge in safety incidents and verbal hostility targeting media workers during July. The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia recorded 19 security cases, including two physical assaults and 14 death threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented at least 106 verbal attacks on journalists by state and ruling party officials.

Meanwhile, Belgrade prosecutors opened an investigation into a recent assault on film director Stevan Filipović, who claimed ruling party affiliates targeted him for photographing property destruction. President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the violence.

Additionally, media organizations denounced incidents targeting pro-government journalists, including property damage and intimidation at a private residence. Separately, groups highlighted new European Union transparency rules mandating clear labeling for artificial intelligence-generated media.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Danas, N1, Tanjug.