Press Freedom Groups Call on Serbia to Halt Violence Against Journalists

Media rights organisations have urged Serbian authorities to end a growing campaign of violence, threats, and intimidation targeting journalists, warning that the escalating environment of hostility poses a serious threat to independent reporting and democratic accountability.

In a statement released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and allied civil society groups, advocates documented a range of attacks against members of the media in Serbia, including physical assaults, threats by political figures, online harassment, and pressure aimed at silencing critical reporting. The groups said the persistence of such incidents indicates a “spiral of violence” that authorities must confront to preserve press freedom.

The call to action comes after a series of troubling episodes affecting journalists covering politics, corruption, and public policy. According to RSF, reporters have faced not only verbal abuse and threatening rhetoric from public officials and supporters, but also physical attacks during field reporting and protests. The organisations emphasised that while occasional threats may appear isolated, the cumulative effect contributes to self‑censorship and discourages journalists from pursuing investigative stories.

Press freedom advocates underscored that violence and intimidation against journalists not only endangers individuals but also deprives the public of essential information. Independent media, they argue, play a vital role in scrutinising power, exposing wrongdoing, and facilitating informed public debate. When journalists operate under duress, these foundational democratic functions are severely compromised.

The statement urged Serbian authorities to take concrete steps to protect media workers, including strengthening legal protections, ensuring effective investigations into attacks, and holding perpetrators accountable. RSF and partners also called for public condemnations of violence against journalists by political leaders, asserting that official rhetoric plays a significant role in shaping public attitudes toward media professionals.

Local journalist associations, unions, and human rights organisations in Serbia have echoed these concerns, saying that repeated episodes of intimidation have contributed to a pervasive sense of insecurity among reporters. Several journalists targeted in recent incidents have reported receiving death threats, harassment on social media, and disruption of editorial activities by unidentified individuals.

Officials in Belgrade have acknowledged the concerns raised by media organisations but framed the challenges as part of broader societal tensions. They reiterated that freedom of expression is guaranteed under Serbia’s constitution and that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated. However, advocates contend that rhetoric must be matched by enforcement, including thorough investigation of assaults and prosecution of those responsible.

For press freedom defenders, the situation in Serbia is emblematic of a wider pattern seen in parts of Europe where journalists face increased physical and online risks for performing their professional duties. The call from RSF and partners serves as a stark reminder that legal guarantees alone are insufficient without practical measures to ensure the safety and independence of the press.

Journalists and civil society groups say that reversing the trend of violence will require sustained commitment, transparent accountability, and demonstrable enforcement to ensure that reporting on issues of public concern can proceed without fear of retaliation.

Reference –

https://rsf.org/en/serbia-rsf-and-partners-call-authorities-stop-spiral-violence-against-journalists