Belgrade – The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a stark warning on Tuesday that journalists in Serbia are confronting an escalating wave of threats, violence and hostility as the nation prepares for a crucial early parliamentary election on Oct. 25. CPJ urged the government of President Aleksandar Vučić to guarantee that media workers can cover the vote “safely and without fear.”
CPJ’s concerns and recommendations
In a statement released by CPJ Europe representative Attila Mong, the organization described the environment for reporters as “alarming,” citing recent incidents of physical assaults at rallies, online smear campaigns, and persistent legal and digital threats. The watchdog called on Serbia’s European partners to monitor the situation closely, encourage Belgrade to uphold the rule of law, and speak out against violations of press freedom.
CPJ listed several concrete steps for the authorities: public instructions to police forces, rapid response mechanisms for threats, condemnation of any violence, and robust protection measures for journalists and election candidates.
Recent incidents illustrate growing danger
One vivid example comes from Danica Vučenić, a veteran reporter for N1 regional television. In June, Vučenić received a threatening letter aimed at both her and her family. She told the Associated Press that she routinely reports such threats to police, but no effective action has followed. “It’s a waste of time because I will receive more threats and report again,” she said, adding that the situation will not improve until Serbia becomes a democratic country.
Other reports cited by CPJ include assaults on journalists while they were covering political gatherings, as well as a hostile online atmosphere that seeks to discredit independent reporting. The organization noted that senior government officials have sometimes been the source of these attacks.
Political backdrop
President Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party face a formidable challenge from a youth‑led movement that emerged after a tragic train‑station incident in November 2024. The upcoming election is expected to be highly contested, with the ruling party seeking to retain power amid widespread public dissatisfaction.
Serbia’s bid for European Union membership has stalled under Vučić’s leadership, as accusations of democratic backsliding—including curbs on media freedom—continue to surface. Since coming to power in 2012, the ruling party has gradually increased its influence over mainstream outlets, often labeling critical voices as “enemies of the state.”
Government response
The Serbian government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In the past, the Ministry of Information has publicly condemned attacks on journalists and pledged swift state action, but concrete outcomes remain limited.
International observers and local civil‑society groups are urging the authorities to take decisive steps to protect press freedom, emphasizing that a free and safe media environment is essential for a credible electoral process.
What comes next
As the Oct. 25 ballot approaches, the eyes of European partners, regional watchdogs and Serbian citizens will be on how the government addresses these concerns. The CPJ’s call to action underscores the importance of safeguarding journalists, whose work is vital to informing the public and ensuring a transparent democratic process.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
