Serbian officials, ruling party launched 106 verbal attacks on journalists in July: Foundation

The Slavko Curuvija Foundation reported a concerning number of verbal attacks against journalists in Serbia during July 2026, documenting at least 106 instances by state officials, public office holders, and members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

Despite characterizing this figure as a "significant decline compared to the previous months," the foundation highlighted the persistent nature of these attacks. Triggers for the verbal assaults in July included the continuation of an investigation into an alleged sonic weapon use during a March protest, death threats against President Aleksandar Vucic, and the lead-up to announced elections and public opinion polls.

According to the foundation's monthly report, representatives of the ruling authorities frequently depicted journalists as collaborators in inciting violence and civil war. They were increasingly accused of unlawful reporting, with calls for their criminal prosecution becoming more common. Lead Prosecutor Miodrag Markovic's announcement on Serbian state television (RTS) regarding the prosecution of four groups, including those who "provided media support" for claims about sonic weapons, further illustrates this trend.

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Representatives of the ruling authorities portrayed journalists as participants in inciting violence and civil war, while increasingly accusing them of various forms of allegedly unlawful reporting, including calls for the criminal prosecution of journalists.

The report identified several high-profile figures as frequent perpetrators of these attacks. Nebojsa Bakarec, an SNS MP, led the list with 21 recorded attacks. He was followed by President Aleksandar Vucic and SNS leader Milos Vucevic, each with 13 attacks, and Serbian Parliament speaker Ana Brnabic with 12. Other notable figures included SNS MPs Vladimir Djukanovic and Milenko Jovanov.

Media outlets N1, Nova, and Danas were the most targeted, facing 27, 25, and 8 attacks respectively. The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade and the Novi Sad branch of the SNS were also implicated, along with 19 other officials, including ministers of finance, defense, culture, and public investment. The foundation also noted the ongoing pre-investigation proceedings concerning the alleged "simulation of the use of a sonic cannon" during a March protest, which led to searches of a journalist's home and office.

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The highest number of attacks was recorded in statements and social media posts by Nebojsa Bakarec, an SNS MP and member of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture and Information (21). He was followed by: President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic (13), SNS leader Milos Vucevic (13), Serbian Parliament speaker Ana Brnabic (12), SNS MP Vladimir Djukanovic (8), SNS MP and chair of the SNS parliamentary group Milenko Jovanov (6).