Aug 13, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC

Journalist associations and monitoring groups across Serbia have documented a sharp rise in threats, harassment, and violence directed at media workers and public figures.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia registered 19 security incidents during July, including 14 death threats and two physical assaults. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation documented at least 106 verbal attacks by state officials and ruling party representatives against journalists. Recent incidents include online death threats targeting the editor of local outlet Volim Zrenjanin and a physical assault on film director Stevan Filipović in central Belgrade.

Simultaneously, the Association of Journalists of Serbia condemned intimidation aimed at pro-government media figures, including harassment at the home of Informer editor Dragan J. Vučićević. Media organisations across the spectrum have called on police and judicial authorities to swiftly investigate and prosecute all perpetrators.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Danas, N1, Tanjug

Diplomatic discussions between Iran and Oman concerning maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz have progressed, though Tehran maintains that full reopening depends on U.S. sanctions relief and financial compensation. Iranian officials also seek oversight over incoming and outgoing vessel traffic in the waterway.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested an agreement might be reached promptly, while simultaneously downplaying the urgency, highlighting Iran's economic difficulties, and warning of severe consequences if navigation remains blocked.

In concurrent regional developments, Lebanese and Israeli delegates commenced a seventh round of negotiations in Rome, as roughly 800,000 displaced Lebanese citizens begin returning to southern Lebanon. Maritime tensions also persist following reports of an Indian vessel sunk off Yemen's coast.

Sources: Avaz, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), Dan, Klix, Vijesti.

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte appeared before the parliamentary commission investigating the country's COVID-19 pandemic response, defending his administration's decisions.

During an extensive hearing, the Five Star Movement leader addressed questions regarding emergency decrees, vaccine rollouts, and medical equipment procurement. Conte announced that he delivered an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors detailing a 100-million-euro transaction with supplier JC Electronics, calling for an inquiry into potentially counterfeit masks.

Rebuffing accusations from the governing majority, Conte maintained that no illegalities occurred under his leadership and cautioned the parliamentary panel against turning into a political tribunal targeting the opposition.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.

Greek emergency services are continuing efforts to contain major wildfires west of Athens, deploying aircraft, ground crews, and military machinery near Megara and Mount Cithaeron.

In Valletta, the murder trial regarding the 2017 assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia proceeded, with testimony from her son detailing her investigations into alleged corruption linking businessman Yorgen Fenech to government officials.

In Zagreb, Croatia's opposition Social Democratic Party announced a motion of no confidence against the governing HDZ-led coalition following public outrage over hazardous waste disposal in Gospić.

Meanwhile, findings from the Reuters Institute Digital News Report revealed that 63 percent of respondents in Croatia periodically avoid news, placing the country among the highest rates of news avoidance globally.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix, Poslovni dnevnik

Mutual aerial attacks have intensified across the conflict, causing casualties on both sides of the border. Ukrainian strikes reached the outskirts of Moscow, reportedly leaving five dead and six injured, alongside further drone incidents across Crimea, Belgorod, and the Black Sea coast. In Ukraine, Russian strikes struck Kyiv and surrounding areas, killing at least 17 people and wounding dozens, while glide bombs struck residential districts in Zaporizhzhia.

In broader security developments, former US President Donald Trump urged caution regarding proposals to co-produce Patriot air defense systems inside Ukraine, stating that sensitive military technology must be safeguarded. Additionally, the Italian Navy intercepted a suspected Russian shadow fleet oil tanker off the coast of Pantelleria.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, La Stampa.