Serbian media watchdogs report surge in threats against journalists

Serbian press associations and media watchdogs have raised alarms over an escalating pattern of intimidation, verbal hostility, and violence directed at reporters and cultural figures.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia documented 19 safety incidents during July, comprising two physical assaults and 14 direct security or death threats. Meanwhile, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded at least 106 verbal attacks launched by state and ruling party officials over the same period.

Several individual incidents prompted condemnation from industry groups. The Journalists' Association of Serbia demanded an urgent investigation into death threats posted online against local outlet Volim Zrenjanin. The Association of Independent Media simultaneously condemned harassment aimed at the family of tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević. Separately, Belgrade prosecutors opened an inquiry after film director Stevan Filipović sustained injuries in a physical assault in the capital.

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