Serbian media watchdogs report surge in attacks and threats against journalists

Serbian press associations and monitoring groups have registered a marked rise in threats, physical assaults, and political harassment targeting media workers and cultural figures across the country.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia recorded 19 safety incidents during July, including two physical assaults and 14 death threats or direct security risks. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation reported at least 106 verbal attacks launched against journalists by government representatives and ruling party officials over the same period.

The findings follow several individual security incidents. Media organizations demanded swift police action following online death threats against local news outlet Volim Zrenjanin. Meanwhile, prosecutors opened an investigation into the physical assault of film director Stevan Filipović in Belgrade, while associations also condemned intimidation directed at the family of tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević.

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