Media Watchdog Warns of Rising Threats to Serbian Journalists Ahead of Oct. 25 Vote

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — An international press watchdog has warned that journalists in Serbia face growing threats of violence and hostility as the country prepares for a high-stakes early parliamentary election on Oct. 25 that will test populist President Aleksandar Vučić's hold on power.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) this week urged Vućic's government to ensure reporters can cover the ballot "safely and without fear." The organization also called on Serbia's European partners to monitor the situation, press Belgrade to uphold the rule of law and publicly challenge violations of press freedom.

CPJ said an international mission in March documented escalating police violence, smear campaigns driven by public officials, widespread impunity, legal and digital threats, and efforts by the ruling party to tighten its control over mainstream media.

Serbia formally seeks European Union membership, but that bid has slowed under Vućic amid accusations that his administration has narrowed democratic space and eroded media independence since coming to power in 2012. The ruling Serbian Progressive Party has gradually consolidated influence over many mainstream outlets and often labels critical outlets as enemies of the state.

Danica Vucenic, a reporter for N1 regional television, said she received a letter in June threatening her and her family. She told The Associated Press she routinely reports such threats to authorities but sees no effective response.

"It's a waste of time because I will receive more threats and report again," Vucenic said. "It will not end until Serbia becomes a democratic country."

Attila Mong, CPJ's Europe representative, described conditions for journalists in Serbia as "alarming," citing street assaults, targeted online abuse and relentless attempts to discredit reporting, often from senior officials. "Ahead of the October elections, conditions for journalists are getting worse," Mong said. "We have multiple reports of journalists being assaulted while doing their jobs at rallies and other political gatherings, and online the atmosphere is increasingly febrile."

CPJ Recommendations

• Issue clear public directives instructing police to protect journalists at events and during election coverage.
• Ensure rapid, transparent state responses to threats and attacks and investigate them promptly.
• Publicly condemn violence and harassment of media workers and guarantee access to candidates for all journalists.
• Address legal and digital threats by reforming laws and enforcing sanctions for intimidation and doxxing.

The election campaign is expected to be tense: Vućic and the Serbian Progressive Party face a challenge from a youth-led movement that spearheaded nearly two years of street protests following a train station tragedy in November 2024. Observers say the vote will be a key barometer of Serbia's democratic trajectory.

Vucenic, a veteran of Serbia's independent media, said she tries to ignore threats so she can continue working, but she blames political leaders for cultivating a hostile climate. "Journalists are being treated as enemies of the state," she said. "That has made our existence unsafe."