IPI report warns of violence against journalists in Serbia

The report said that record levels of physical violence against journalists, death threats and online smear campaigns, entrenched impunity, and tight political control over the media landscape mean that media freedom in Serbia is in a deepening crisis with a rapidly closing window for independent journalism to operate. The report was authored by IPI and its partners in the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and the Council of Europe’s (CoE) Safety of Journalists Platform as the result of an international mission to Belgrade that took place in March 2026.

“In 2025, Serbia recorded 209 press freedom violations – more than double the 84 documented in 2024 – affecting 359 media workers and entities. As of 16 June, 100 cases affecting 170 media workers have been recorded since January 2026. Since the deadly collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy in November 2024, which triggered the largest protests in Serbia’s history, attacks on journalists covering demonstrations have surged. Law enforcement has not only failed to protect journalists, but police officers have increasingly acted as perpetrators themselves, with at least 38 documented police attacks on journalists since 2025,” the report said adding that the crisis extends well beyond physical safety.

The report recommended an end to all calls for violence against media workers by state officials, specialized training for police and judiciary staff, an end to the use of SLAPP lawsuits as a form of harassment by state officials who have to refrain from exerting any form of political pressure.

The full report is available here.