Aug 11, 2026, 05:00 PM UTC

Media associations in Serbia reported a sharp increase in intimidation and physical violence against journalists during July and early August. The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia recorded 19 security incidents, including two physical assaults and 14 death threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented over 100 verbal attacks targeting media workers, attributing the majority to state and ruling party officials.

Incidents include online death threats targeting local outlet Volim Zrenjanin and a physical assault on film director Stevan Filipović in Belgrade. Meanwhile, media groups condemned harassment aimed at pro-government figures, including threats at the home of Informer editor Dragan J. Vučićević. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the violence and called on authorities to prosecute those responsible.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Danas, N1, Tanjug

Western Europe experienced its warmest June–July period on record as global ocean surface temperatures reached an unprecedented 20.96°C in July. Globally, July marked the second-hottest July ever recorded, averaging 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels and triggering intense dry conditions across the continent.

In Central and Eastern Europe, dropping river levels disrupted freight shipping and energy production. In response to depleted river volumes, nuclear facilities in Romania and Hungary curtailed operations. Romanian naval units even carried out controlled detonations along the Danube to channel cooling water toward the nation's remaining active reactor. Economists estimate that the combined damage to navigation and power supply could reach two billion euros in the third quarter. The shrinking waterways have also exposed long-submerged artifacts, including Second World War equipment and ancient mammoth remains.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Jornal Económico, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Emergency response teams and military personnel in Colombia are continuing search and rescue efforts after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country's western region near San José del Palmar. Authorities declared a state of emergency following widespread structural damage that left dozens of buildings collapsed, with tremors felt across neighbouring Ecuador.

Fatality counts remain variable as damage assessments progress across affected municipalities. While early updates noted at least 20 casualties, subsequent reports indicate at least 132 deaths and more than 500 injured, with some outlets reporting the death toll has reached at least 164. Emergency workers caution that casualties will likely rise as crews search through rubble for missing survivors.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continue through Omani mediation, alongside parallel regional security developments. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a resolution could be reached imminently while simultaneously threatening severe consequences if the strategic waterway remains closed, characterising diplomatic maneuvers as a "chess game" and downplaying the urgency.

Tehran reiterated that opening the strait remains contingent on the United States lifting sanctions, compensating for war damages, and ending military threats. Iranian officials noted that ongoing negotiations with Oman focus on establishing secure transit routes under Iranian monitoring.

Concurrently, a seventh round of bilateral talks between Israel and Lebanon commenced in Rome, coinciding with the return of roughly 800,000 displaced Lebanese citizens to southern regions. Off the coast of Yemen, an Indian vessel was reportedly struck and sunk.

Sources: Avaz, CDM, Dan, Klix, Vijesti

United Nations officials and human rights advocates have raised severe concerns over worsening human rights conditions in Iran and Afghanistan.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned of a dramatic surge in Iranian capital punishment, noting that at least 56 people have been executed since mid-March. Türk stated that capital punishment is employed to "instill fear in the population and suppress dissent," predominantly targeting drug charges and political opposition.

Concurrently, a separate investigation examining 231 femicides in Afghanistan revealed systematic impunity for perpetrators under Taliban rule. State institutions ceased tracking gender-based homicides following the 2023 dissolution of the attorney general's office, obscuring official records and leaving perpetrators virtually unpunished.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)