Serbian media watchdogs report sharp rise in threats against journalists

Press freedom organizations in Serbia have reported a surge in threats and hostility targeting media workers during July and early August. The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia recorded 19 security incidents in July, including 14 death threats, while the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented over 100 verbal attacks against journalists, primarily by state and ruling party officials.

Recent cases include online death threats promising "only a bullet" to the editor of local outlet Volim Zrenjanin and a physical assault on film director Stevan Filipović in Belgrade. Concurrently, media groups condemned intimidation targeting pro-government figures, including property damage and harassment at the home of Informer editor Dragan J. Vučićević. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić called for the prosecution of perpetrators.

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