Serbian watchdogs report rising threats against journalists in July

Media freedom watchdogs in Serbia reported a sharp increase in threats against journalists during July. The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia registered 19 safety incidents, including two physical attacks and 14 death threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented over 100 verbal attacks directed at media workers by government and ruling party officials.

In Belgrade, public prosecutors launched an investigation after film director Stevan Filipović was beaten while documenting damage to a historic site. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the incident and urged swift legal action.

Meanwhile, journalism groups protested after several Serbian-language media organizations were denied access to cover a parliamentary session in Pristina despite completing accreditation. Separately, media organizations highlighted the rollout of new European Union rules requiring clear disclosure when artificial intelligence creates or modifies media content.

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