Serbian watchdogs report sharp rise in threats against journalists

Media organizations and press freedom groups in Serbia have documented a surge in threats, physical assaults, and harassment targeting reporters and cultural figures.

According to the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS), 19 safety incidents occurred in July, comprising two physical assaults, 14 death threats, and three other instances of intimidation. Simultaneously, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation registered at least 106 verbal attacks on journalists by state officials and representatives of the governing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

Hostility has affected media professionals across differing editorial stances. The Journalists' Association of Serbia (UNS) demanded an urgent investigation into online death threats made against the local outlet Volim Zrenjanin. Meanwhile, the Association of Independent Media condemned harassment directed at the family of pro-government tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević. Separately, Belgrade prosecutors opened an inquiry after film director Stevan Filipović was assaulted in the capital.

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