Watchdog Warns of Journalist Threats Ahead of Serbian Election

An international media watchdog has raised concerns about the safety of journalists in Serbia, warning of increasing threats and hostility ahead of early parliamentary elections scheduled for next month. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement this week urging President Aleksandar Vucic's government to guarantee that journalists can cover the vote safely and without fear.

"Journalists covering the polls are at serious risk of threats, violence and hostility of the sort that has become increasingly common" during Vucic's tenure, the CPJ stated. The organization also called on Serbia's European partners to closely monitor the situation, encourage Belgrade to uphold the rule of law, and speak out against press freedom violations.

The Serbian government has not yet responded to a request for comment from the Associated Press. In the past, Serbia's Ministry of Information has condemned attacks on journalists and called for swift government action.

According to the CPJ, an international mission in March documented a rise in police violence, smear campaigns initiated by public officials, persistent impunity, legal and digital threats, and efforts by the ruling party to consolidate control over media outlets. Serbia is pursuing membership in the European Union, but progress has stalled under Vucic, who has been accused of suppressing democratic freedoms, including those of the press. Since 2012, the ruling populist party has gradually gained control of mainstream media, while often labeling critical outlets as "enemies of the state."

Danica Vucenic, a journalist with N1 regional television, reported receiving a threatening letter concerning her and her family in June. She told the AP that she routinely reports such threats to the authorities but has seen no effective results. "It's a waste of time because I will receive more threats and report again," Vucenic said. "It will not end until Serbia becomes a democratic country."

Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party face a challenge in the upcoming election from a youth-led movement that organized protests for nearly two years. Tensions are anticipated to be high as the populist party seeks to retain power amidst widespread public discontent.

Attila Mong, CPJ's Europe representative, described the situation for journalists in Serbia as "alarming," citing street violence, threats, and persistent efforts to discredit their work, often by senior government officials. "Ahead of the October elections, conditions for journalists are getting worse," Mong stated. "We have multiple reports of journalists being assaulted while out doing their jobs at rallies and other political gatherings, and online the atmosphere is increasingly febrile."

The CPJ has recommended that Serbian authorities issue public instructions to the police, respond rapidly to threats, condemn violence, and ensure the protection of journalists and the availability of election candidates. Vucenic, an experienced journalist in Serbia's independent media, expressed her intention to continue working normally despite the threats, blaming the country's political leadership for the hostile environment. "Journalists are being treated as enemies of the state," she said. "That has made our existence unsafe."