European journalists' group backs resolution on media freedom in Serbia

The General Assembly of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) adopted an emergency resolution on Serbia, submitted by the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS) and the Independent Trade Union of Culture, Arts and Media “Nezavisnost.” The Adria News Network (ANN) welcomed the resolution, emphasizing that journalist safety is paramount.

ANN expressed solidarity with journalists and unequivocally condemned the attacks, death threats, intimidation, surveillance, and smear campaigns detailed in the resolution. The network also highlighted concerns about organized intimidation, particularly involving individuals with criminal records, and criticized instances where police allegedly failed to provide protection or were complicit in attacks.

The resolution, presented at the EFJ General Assembly in Ankara, notes that since 2024, the EFJ and the SafeJournalists Network have documented 389 media freedom violations affecting 643 media professionals in Serbia via the Mapping Media Freedom platform. These violations include physical assaults, death threats, violent intimidation, unlawful digital surveillance, smear campaigns, and instances where police either failed to protect journalists or directly endangered them.

During the resolution's presentation, it was emphasized that the situation in Serbia is no longer a series of isolated incidents but represents a systemic pattern of pressure and impunity. Examples cited include a recent attack on journalist Veran Matic, the destruction of equipment belonging to an N1 television crew, and attacks on journalist Vuk Cvijic while reporting. Particular concern was raised over incidents occurring in the presence of police officers without adequate response, and cases where officers themselves were involved in endangering journalists.

ANN supported the EFJ’s call for Serbian authorities to conduct prompt, independent, and effective investigations into all such cases, guarantee journalists' safety, and cease smear campaigns and political pressure on the media. The network reiterated its commitment to the principle that free, safe, and independent media are the foundation of public trust, pledging continued support for efforts strengthening journalists' safety and fostering an environment for independent journalism.

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The safety of journalists is an indisputable issue.