Serbia sees drastic decline in media freedom and journalist safety in May, says ANEM

Serbia experienced a significant decline in media freedom and journalist safety throughout May, according to a report by the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM).

The report cites multiple international assessments confirming the grim reality. These include the World Press Freedom Index for 2026 by Reporters Without Borders, a resolution by the International Federation of Journalists detailing escalating attacks and media capture in Serbia, and a report from the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists. The Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, also expressed dissatisfaction with the human rights situation in Serbia.

Ten international journalistic organizations sent letters to European ministers responsible for European integration after visiting Belgrade. They reviewed data on physical, legal, and online attacks targeting journalists. ANEM also organized discussions on the endangerment of media workers through digital surveillance, particularly the use of spyware.

The monitoring noted changes in media ownership, including the sale of Adria News S.à r.l. to Alpaca Capital and the transfer of ownership for the publication NIN to Politika novine i magazini. Ana Mihajlovski Grubin announced her withdrawal from all positions at Naš portal, citing an inability to guarantee editorial autonomy and independent working conditions.

ANEM also highlighted instances of offensive statements and attacks against journalists. These included remarks by Predrag Azdejković of Radio-televizija Srbije regarding the death of cartoonist Predrag Koraksić Koraks, statements by Dragan J. Vučićević of Informer TV, and threats against journalists and editorial offices. Specific cases involved attacks on a Zoomer portal journalist, threats via Instagram to the Mašina editorial team, and Facebook threats against journalist Srđan Nonić. The Council for Press Self-Regulation found that Večernje novosti, Alo, 24sedam, and Užice Oglasna tabla violated the Journalists' Code of Serbia in their reporting on journalist Veran Matić and ANEM members.

The report also pointed to the continued practice of prohibiting journalistic reporting and ongoing court proceedings related to attacks on journalists. The First Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade indicted an individual for an attack on TV Insajder journalist Nataša Mijušković. Conversely, the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Zaječar rejected a complaint against the decision to dismiss a criminal complaint filed by Miljko Stojanović concerning an attack by police officers. ANEM concluded that the process of project-based media co-financing has lost its purpose.