Serbian watchdogs report rise in media threats and verbal attacks

Media freedom groups in Serbia reported a sharp rise in threats against journalists during July. According to the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia, 19 safety incidents occurred, including two physical assaults and 14 death threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented more than 100 verbal attacks targeting media workers, primarily originating from ruling party officials.

In a separate development, Belgrade prosecutors opened an investigation following the assault of film director Stevan Filipović, who was beaten after photographing individuals damaging a historic building. President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the attack.

Meanwhile, press organizations protested after Serbian-language reporters were denied entry to Pristina's parliament, while watchdog groups highlighted new European Union rules on artificial intelligence transparency.

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