Surge in Attacks on Journalists Amid Serbia’s Protest-Year

October 29, 2025 – Serbia – 

According to the press-freedom organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), at least 89 physical attacks against journalists were recorded in Serbia over the past year as they covered nationwide protests triggered by a fatal railway station collapse.

The protests began after the canopy above a railway station platform in northern Serbia collapsed on November 1, 2024, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. Since then, media professionals documenting the unrest have faced an unprecedented wave of reports of assault, interference, and intimidation. RSF notes that nearly half of these attacks were carried out by law-enforcement officers, while many of the remainder occurred amid poor police supervision of pro-government agitators.

One documented incident involved freelance journalist Dalibor Stupar, who attempted to film a bus arrival by pro-government activists supporting the demonstrations. He was physically prevented from capturing the footage, his phone was seized by police who claimed he had violated his rights, and the incident took place in a venue where officers were assigned protective duties.

RSF underscores that 82 of these attacks occurred during 2025 alone, marking the highest annual total since Serbia began systematic tracking in 2008. The organization describes the environment as one where journalists operate under escalating risk and insufficient safeguards. Under Serbia’s ranking in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, it now stands at 96th out of 180 countries—an indicator of declining media protections in a country that is meanwhile a candidate for membership in the European Union.

In response to the events, RSF and local partner organization Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS) have offered protective equipment and legal support to affected reporters. They have also called on the European Commission and the European Parliament to take firmer action: RSF argues that suspension of EU funding should be considered if Serbia fails to uphold press-freedom obligations.

The reported attacks and the broader context of intimidation highlight serious implications for press freedom in Serbia, particularly at a time when credible reporting is essential to public dialogue and accountability. The situation not only threatens individual reporters but also the right of citizens to receive independent information during social and political upheaval.

Reference – 

https://rsf.org/en/protests-serbia-least-89-attacks-journalists-recorded-rsf-one-year