Serbian watchdog groups and media associations report surge in threats and violence

Media rights organizations and press associations in Serbia have raised alarms over a marked increase in threats, physical assaults, and harassment targeting reporters and public figures.

According to data from the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia, 19 safety incidents were documented in July, encompassing two physical assaults and 14 direct death threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded at least 106 verbal attacks directed at journalists and media outlets by government officials and ruling party figures during the same period.

The surge in pressure has affected diverse media actors. The Association of Journalists of Serbia condemned death threats sent to the regional portal Volim Zrenjanin, while the Association of Independent Media denounced intimidation targeting the family home of tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević. In Belgrade, prosecutors launched an investigation after film director Stevan Filipović was physically assaulted.

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