Serbian media watchdogs report surge in threats against journalists

Media watchdogs in Serbia reported a sharp increase in threats and pressure targeting journalists 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 recorded over 100 verbal attacks against media workers, predominantly originating from ruling party officials.

In Belgrade, prosecutors opened an investigation into the assault of film director Stevan Filipović, who was attacked while photographing individuals damaging a historic building. President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the violence.

Separately, the Journalists' Association of Serbia protested after several Serbian-language outlets were denied access to a parliamentary session in Pristina. NUNS also highlighted new European Union transparency regulations requiring clear identification of artificial intelligence content.

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