UN human rights experts have issued a call for Serbia to halt ongoing attacks and intimidation against journalists. The appeal underscores a critical situation where freedom of expression is under threat, emphasizing the systemic nature of harassment, smear campaigns, physical assaults, and online threats that journalists face. This growing menace curtails media freedom, laying bare Serbia’s obligations to uphold international standards of free speech.
The experts’ statement aligns with a previous UN appeal in November urging Serbian authorities to accelerate measures ensuring accountability for rights violations, particularly during demonstrations and electoral periods. Notably, Serbia’s Independent Journalists’ Association (NUNS) documented 30 incidents against journalists in November alone. These include physical assaults, threats, and obstruction as journalists sought to report on various issues. A concerning pattern is emerging, with female journalists disproportionately targeted, amid heightened harassment, discrimination, and online abuse.
Several press freedom organizations have reported a continuous escalation of threats and highlighted that journalists in Serbia face increasing intimidation, hate campaigns, and obstruction while covering protests. Furthermore, the International Federation of Journalists has urged accountability for journalist attacks during student protests in Novi Sad, citing police failures in safeguarding identified media personnel from verbal and physical attacks. Reporters Without Borders described the current period as particularly violent for the Serbian press, drawing attention to the state’s limited acknowledgment of such incidents. The European Committee for the Protection of Journalists has also condemned instances of detentions and obstruction of reporters during rallies, showcasing the pernicious climate for media professionals.
These developments reflect a disturbing trend where journalistic work is met with hostility rather than support, complicating efforts to hold powers accountable and inform the public. More details on this evolving issue are available here.