Serbian media watchdogs report surge in threats against journalists

Press freedom organizations in Serbia recorded a sharp increase in threats against media workers during July. The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia documented 19 safety incidents, including two physical assaults and 14 death threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation reported over 100 verbal attacks against journalists by government officials and ruling party members.

In Belgrade, authorities initiated an investigation after film director Stevan Filipović was beaten while photographing individuals damaging a historic site. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić publicly condemned the assault and called for prompt prosecution.

In Pristina, journalism associations protested after several Serbian-language outlets were barred from covering a parliamentary session despite fulfilling accreditation requirements. Separately, media watchdogs highlighted newly introduced European Union transparency mandates requiring clear disclosure when artificial intelligence creates or alters media content.

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