Media Freedom Index: Serbia Falls to 104th Place, Laws Become Vučić's 'Marionette' in War Against Journalism

Reporters Without Borders representative Pavol Salaj has delivered a stark assessment of media freedom in Serbia, noting a significant drop to 104th place in the latest index. Speaking to N1, Salaj characterized the situation as Serbia "exiting Europe" in terms of press freedom, a decline he attributes directly to President Aleksandar Vučić's administration.

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Kada je reč o slobodi medija, Srbija izlazi iz Evrope. Daleko je od ostalih evropskih zemalja.

Salaj pointed out that while Serbia has adopted new media laws, these legislative changes are superficial. He argues that President Vučić manipulates these laws, turning them into a tool for his "war against journalism." This includes not only political and verbal attacks but also the alleged use of state apparatus for surveillance and suppression of journalists, particularly targeting outlets like N1, which Salaj notes has been accused of terrorism by ruling party officials.

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I, nažalost, ono što se dešava u Srbiji nije nimalo originalno, a glavni odgovorni za ovu lošu situaciju, predsednik Aleksandar Vučić, samo primenjuje recepte i mere koje su već testirane u drugim zemljama, i to radi već godinama.

The report details a pattern of escalating pressure, including physical and political violence against journalists, arbitrary police raids on newsrooms, and a record number of physical assaults in the past year. Salaj specifically condemned a recent statement by the Minister of Culture regarding journalist Dinko Gruhonjić, calling it an incitement. From the perspective of N1 Serbia, this situation reflects a broader trend of authoritarianism where the state actively undermines independent media, a stark contrast to the democratic ideals espoused by European nations. The article emphasizes that the legal framework, meant to protect journalism, has become a "marionette" in the hands of the president, betraying promises made to both Serbian citizens and the European Union.

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Ali, nažalost, zakon je u Srbiji postao marioneta, figura, u Vučićevom ratu protiv novinarstva, i on je izneverio obaveze da unapredi slobodu medija koje je dao građanima Srbije, ali i Evropskoj uniji.