Serbian media watchdogs report surge in threats against journalists

Media watchdogs and press associations in Serbia have reported a sharp rise in hostility and threats directed at journalists and cultural figures.

According to monitoring by the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS), 19 safety incidents occurred in July, including two physical assaults and 14 direct security threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented at least 106 verbal attacks against media professionals by state and ruling party officials during the same month.

Recent incidents include death threats sent to regional newsroom Volim Zrenjanin, an intimidation incident outside the home of tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević, and the physical assault of film director Stevan Filipović in Belgrade. Multiple press groups and officials have condemned the wave of violence, urging law enforcement to swiftly identify and prosecute perpetrators.

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