Serbian media watchdogs report surge in assaults and threats against journalists

Media watchdogs and journalist associations in Serbia have documented a sharp increase in intimidation, threats, and physical violence directed at reporters and cultural figures.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia recorded 19 safety incidents during July, including two physical assaults and 14 death threats. In the same period, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation registered at least 106 verbal attacks against journalists by state officials and members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party.

The hostility has affected media workers across various outlets. The Journalists' Association of Serbia urged authorities to identify and prosecute individuals who sent online death threats to the local portal Volim Zrenjanin. Concurrently, the Association of Independent Media condemned harassment targeting the family home of pro-government editor Dragan J. Vučićević. Separately, prosecutors in Belgrade opened an investigation after film director Stevan Filipović was assaulted in the city centre.

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