Aug 22, 2026, 02:30 AM UTC

Media rights organizations and press associations in Serbia have raised alarms over a marked increase in threats, physical assaults, and harassment targeting reporters and public figures.

According to data from the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia, 19 safety incidents were documented in July, encompassing two physical assaults and 14 direct death threats. Concurrently, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded at least 106 verbal attacks directed at journalists and media outlets by government officials and ruling party figures during the same period.

The surge in pressure has affected diverse media actors. The Association of Journalists of Serbia condemned death threats sent to the regional portal Volim Zrenjanin, while the Association of Independent Media denounced intimidation targeting the family home of tabloid editor Dragan J. Vučićević. In Belgrade, prosecutors launched an investigation after film director Stevan Filipović was physically assaulted.

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

The Italian government has reaffirmed its decision to maintain temporary border checks at air and sea ports for travellers arriving from Spain, citing lingering security concerns linked to migration pressures in Ceuta. Italian officials stated that the suspension of Schengen provisions will not be lifted until the regional situation fully stabilizes.

In response, Spanish authorities continue to enforce reciprocal screening procedures on incoming flights and maritime transit from Italy. The mutual restrictions have disrupted travel across major transport hubs and escalated bilateral tensions. Domestically, the measures have intensified political debate in Rome, where opposition parties accuse Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of fabricating an unwarranted dispute with a European Union partner, while government coalition members argue that strict border enforcement remains essential to curb irregular migration flows.

Sources: ANSA, Canarias7, El Día, El Mundo, La Vanguardia.

Firefighters in central Dalmatia have contained open flames after a destructive wildfire swept from Lokva Rogoznica into the coastal town of Omiš, burning residential homes, vehicles, and boats. Emergency personnel deployed four Canadair water bombers alongside ground crews to extinguish residual hotspots and monitor the perimeter.

Split's Clinical Hospital Centre treated dozens of people, hospitalizing 14 patients, with up to eight remaining in intensive care with life-threatening burns. During the blaze, more than 500 locals and tourists evacuated into the sea before being rescued by maritime authorities and private boat operators. Conflicting casualty reports persist: Danas reported that a body was recovered in Omiš, whereas Beta cited official records stating that no fatalities have been confirmed. Utility crews are currently restoring electricity to affected districts.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, Danas, N1, Vijesti.

A bipartisan group of United States lawmakers has called on Donald Trump’s administration to reimpose sanctions on Republika Srpska officials following local investigations into staff from the Srebrenica Memorial Center who contributed to a genocide denial report.

The congressional appeal comes amid wider scrutiny over Washington's evolving stance toward Bosnia and Herzegovina. Observers and regional analysts have raised concerns that recent shifts in US diplomacy risk destabilising the region by altering long-standing policies and engaging more leniently with Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik.

Meanwhile, the US diplomatic presence is moving forward following Senate confirmation of retired Marine General Ronald Johnson as the next ambassador to Sarajevo, where formal accreditation procedures remain underway.

Sources: Avaz, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), Danas, Index, Klix.