Police Implicated in Half of Recorded Attacks on Journalists, New Serbia Report Finds

December 11, 2025 – Serbia – 

A new report by press-freedom monitoring organizations has revealed a troubling pattern in Serbia: nearly half of all documented attacks on journalists were carried out by police officers, raising serious concerns about state accountability and the safety of media workers. The findings have sparked renewed alarm among journalists’ associations and human-rights groups, who warn that law enforcement — meant to protect reporters — is increasingly becoming a source of intimidation and violence.

According to data compiled by the SafeJournalists network and reported by regional media, dozens of incidents involving threats, physical assaults, obstruction of work, and unlawful detention of journalists were recorded over the past year. In roughly 50 percent of these cases, police officers were identified as the perpetrators. Many of the incidents occurred while journalists were covering protests, public gatherings, or politically sensitive events.

The report documents multiple cases in which reporters were pushed, beaten, verbally abused, or prevented from filming despite clearly identifying themselves as journalists. In some instances, police allegedly confiscated equipment or deleted recorded material. Journalists also reported being detained without clear legal grounds or threatened with arrest if they continued reporting.

Press organizations say the findings point to a systemic problem rather than isolated misconduct. They argue that aggressive policing tactics, combined with hostile rhetoric toward independent media by political leaders, have created an environment in which attacks on journalists are normalized. When police officers act against reporters with apparent impunity, advocates warn, it sends a dangerous message that violence against the press is tolerated.

Journalists’ unions and media watchdogs have called on Serbian authorities to urgently investigate all reported incidents involving police, ensure accountability for abuses, and strengthen safeguards for journalists working in the field. They are also demanding mandatory training for law enforcement on press freedom, journalists’ rights, and the role of the media in a democratic society.

The report further highlights a lack of effective follow-up in many cases. Complaints filed by journalists often result in no disciplinary action, reinforcing fears that accountability mechanisms within the police are weak or ineffective. This, critics say, encourages repeat offenses and deepens mistrust between journalists and security forces.

Media-freedom advocates warn that unless decisive action is taken, the trend could worsen — pushing journalists toward self-censorship or deterring coverage of public interest issues. As protests and political tensions continue, they stress that protecting journalists from abuse by those in uniform is essential to preserving transparency, public oversight, and democratic freedoms in Serbia.

Reference – 

https://vreme.com/en/drustvo/napadi-na-novinare-polovinu-izveli-policajci/

Attacks on journalists: Half of them were carried out by police officers