Serbian media watchdogs report surge in threats and attacks against journalists

Media watchdogs in Serbia reported a significant rise in threats and harassment against journalists during July. The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia documented 19 safety incidents, including two physical assaults and 14 death threats. Meanwhile, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded at least 106 verbal attacks, primarily originating from ruling party officials and public figures.

In Belgrade, prosecutors opened an investigation into a recent assault on film director Stevan Filipović, who stated he was attacked while photographing individuals damaging a historic site. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the attack and called for legal prosecution.

Additionally, the Journalists' Association of Serbia protested the exclusion of several Serbian-language outlets from a parliamentary session in Pristina, citing accreditation delays. Separately, press groups highlighted new European Union transparency rules requiring clear labeling for artificial intelligence content.

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