The Committee to Protect Journalists has warned that journalists in Serbia are increasingly under threat of violence and hostility before a high-stakes early parliamentary election next month. The watchdog group urged Serbia's government to ensure that journalists can follow the October 25 ballot safely and without fear. This warning comes as President Aleksandar Vucic's rule is set to be tested in the election.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, journalists covering the polls are at serious risk of threats, violence, and hostility. This type of treatment has become increasingly common during Vucic's term in office. The group called on Serbia's European partners to monitor the situation closely and encourage Belgrade to guarantee the rule of law is respected.
The Serbian government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the situation. However, in the past, Serbia's ministry of information has stated that it condemns any attacks on journalists and urges a quick state reaction. An international mission in March documented escalating police violence, smear campaigns fueled by public officials, and persistent impunity.
The Committee to Protect Journalists' Europe representative, Attila Mong, described the reality for journalists in Serbia as alarming. He cited violence in the streets, threats, and relentless efforts to discredit their work, often coming from senior government officials. Mong also mentioned that conditions for journalists are getting worse ahead of the October elections.
Journalists have reported being assaulted while doing their jobs at rallies and other political gatherings. Online, the atmosphere is increasingly febrile. Danica Vucenic, a journalist with N1 regional television, received a letter threatening her and her family in June. She reported the threat to the authorities but said there has been no result.
Vucenic blamed Serbia's political authorities for the atmosphere, stating that journalists are being treated as enemies of the state. This has made their existence unsafe. Despite the threats, Vucenic is trying to ignore them and live and work normally. She expressed her concerns about the lack of action from the authorities.
The Committee to Protect Journalists listed recommendations for the authorities, including public instructions to the police, rapid response to threats, and condemnation of violence. The group also emphasized the need to ensure protection for journalists and availability of election candidates. Serbia is formally seeking membership in the EU, but the effort has stalled under Vucic, who has faced accusations of clamping down on democratic freedoms.
Key points
- The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Serbia's government to ensure journalists can cover the October 25 election safely and without fear.
- Journalists in Serbia face increasing threats, violence, and hostility ahead of the October elections.
- The situation for journalists in Serbia is described as alarming, with conditions getting worse ahead of the October elections.
