Serbia: 63 Attacks on Journalists Recorded Last Year, Ministry Reports

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia has reported a concerning number of assaults against journalists and media workers, documenting 63 incidents in the past year. This figure, comprising 30 physical and 33 verbal attacks, underscores a troubling trend in the safety of media professionals while performing their duties. The data, obtained by the Journalists' Association of Serbia (UNS) from the Ministry, reveals that Belgrade was the epicenter for both physical and verbal aggressions. While the Ministry has initiated criminal charges for 17 offenses, including threats to security and insults, and pursued misdemeanor proceedings in numerous other cases, the sheer volume of incidents raises serious questions about the environment in which Serbian journalists operate. This situation is particularly worrying given the crucial role of a free press in a democratic society. The statistics highlight a clear need for enhanced protection measures and a more robust response to ensure accountability for those who perpetrate violence against media personnel. From our perspective at N1, these numbers are not just statistics; they represent a direct threat to the fundamental right to inform and be informed, a right that is essential for the functioning of any healthy society.

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The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia (MUP) recorded 63 attacks on journalists and media workers last year while performing their professional duties, of which 30 were physical and 33 verbal attacks.