Serbian press groups report sharp rise in threats and attacks on media

Watchdog groups and press associations in Serbia have recorded a notable rise in verbal abuse, harassment, and physical violence targeting journalists and cultural figures.

Data published by the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia documented 19 safety incidents in July, comprising two physical assaults and 14 direct death threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation tallied over 100 verbal attacks against media professionals by government and ruling party officials during the same timeframe.

The pressures have affected varied outlets and public figures. The Journalists' Association of Serbia called for criminal prosecution after online death threats targeted regional portal Volim Zrenjanin. Meanwhile, the Association of Independent Media condemned the intimidation of editor Dragan J. Vučićević, and Belgrade prosecutors launched an investigation into the physical assault of film director Stevan Filipović.

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