Serbian media watchdogs report surge in threats and assaults against journalists

Serbian press associations and monitoring groups have recorded an increase in hostility, threats, and physical attacks targeting media workers and cultural figures across the country.

Data compiled by the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia registered 19 safety violations in July, including two physical assaults and 14 direct death threats. In addition, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation reported more than 100 verbal attacks against reporters and media outlets by state officials and members of the ruling party during the same month.

Recent developments include an explicit death threat against the local portal Volim Zrenjanin, which prompted journalist associations to demand immediate legal action. Concurrently, Belgrade prosecutors opened an inquiry after film director Stevan Filipović was assaulted in the capital, while press groups also condemned harassment directed at the family of pro-government tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević.

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