Serbian media watchdogs report surge in threats and attacks

Journalist associations and media monitoring groups in Serbia have documented a surge in harassment, physical assaults, and online hostility targeting media workers and cultural figures across the country.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia registered 19 security incidents during July, including two physical assaults and 14 direct security or death threats. Meanwhile, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation reported over 100 verbal attacks against press members by state and ruling party officials in the same timeframe.

The warnings coincide with several criminal investigations. Authorities are investigating online death threats sent to the local outlet Volim Zrenjanin, as well as an assault in Belgrade on film director Stevan Filipović. In another incident, media groups condemned intimidation aimed at the family of editor Dragan J. Vučićević.

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