Six journalists leave Serbia over security concerns: 'An indicator of the state of democracy'

Six journalists have left Serbia seeking refuge abroad due to escalating security concerns, including death threats, organized targeting campaigns, and legal pressures. Veran Matic, president of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) Management Board, personally assisted in their relocation.

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My daughter, who turns 16 in a few days, became a target. What do you do when there are many enemies and they threaten your child? We went abroad.

The most recent departure is that of military analyst and journalist Aleksandar Radic. He fled Serbia citing fears for his family's safety after his apartment was searched and surveillance footage of him and his minor daughter was published by pro-government media. The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade has since filed a criminal complaint against Radic for allegedly preparing acts against Serbia's constitutional order and security, and for disclosing classified information.

"My daughter, who turns 16 in a few days, became a target," Radic stated in a written message to the Beta news agency. "What do you do when there are many enemies and they threaten your child? We went abroad." Writer, columnist, and television host Marko Vidojkovic has also been living in exile for over three years, having left Serbia in early 2023.

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Almost all have characteristics in common: for years they were exposed to death threats, serious forms of security threats and organised targeting campaigns, while the perpetrators remained unpunished.

Matić highlighted that many of these journalists share common experiences: years of exposure to severe threats and organized campaigns, often without the perpetrators being held accountable. He expressed concern that journalists' families are increasingly used as tools for intimidation. Matic described the pressure as "hybrid forms of persecution," combining media smear campaigns, institutional pressure, economic hardship, surveillance, and legal uncertainty.

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This case therefore goes beyond the fate of one man. It could have long-term consequences for the freedom of journalistic work in Serbia.

According to Matic, the disclosure of Radic's private communications could have a chilling effect on media freedom in Serbia, extending beyond the fate of one individual. He views the exodus of journalists as a stark indicator of the state of democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom. "A society from which professional journalists leave because they cannot be safe or free to do their jobs loses much more than a few experienced people – it loses the ability to critically examine its own reality," Matic concluded.

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A society from which professional journalists leave because they cannot be safe or free to do their jobs loses much more than a few experienced people – it loses the ability to critically examine its own reality.