Serbian press watchdogs report surge in threats and verbal attacks

Serbian media watchdogs reported a surge in press freedom violations during July. The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia documented 19 safety incidents, comprising two physical assaults and 14 death threats. Meanwhile, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded over 100 verbal attacks against journalists by government officials and ruling party members.

Separately, Belgrade prosecutors opened an investigation following a physical assault on film director Stevan Filipović, who was attacked while photographing individuals damaging a protected historic building. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the violence and called for prosecution.

In Pristina, the Journalists' Association of Serbia protested after several Serbian-language outlets were denied access to a parliamentary session. Additionally, media groups highlighted new European Union AI transparency rules.

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