Journalists Under Attack in Serbia: 89 Attacks Recorded in One Year

Strategic Insights -

Protests in Serbia have turned violent for journalists, with at least 89 physical attacks recorded since the start of the protests sparked by the deadly railway station canopy collapse in November 2024. The attacks have been sustained over the past year, with law-enforcement officers and pro-government activists targeting media professionals. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has provided financial and technical assistance to support the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS) in providing protective equipment to journalists covering the protests.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 89 physical attacks on journalists have been recorded since the start of the protests in November 2024.
  • 82 cases of violence against journalists have been reported in 2025 alone, the highest annual number since 2008.
  • Law-enforcement officers have perpetrated about half of the violence, often turning a blind eye when journalists are attacked by pro-government activists.
  • RSF has provided financial support and technical assistance to NUNS to supply protective vests to journalists covering the protests.
  • Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has been accused of fuelling hatred against protesters and journalists, framing the protests as 'colour revolutions' organised by foreign secret services.
  • The European Parliament strongly criticised the Serbian government in a resolution adopted on 22 October, denouncing the targeting of journalists and independent media.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been called out for not providing adequate support for press freedom in Serbia, despite warnings from international organisations.

Statistics:

  • 89 physical attacks on journalists since the start of the protests in November 2024.
  • 82 cases of violence against journalists in 2025 alone.
  • 16 people killed in the railway station canopy collapse that triggered the protests.
  • 180 countries and territories ranked in RSF's 2025 World Press Freedom Index, with Serbia ranking 96th.

Sources:

  • Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
  • Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS)
  • European Parliament
  • European Commission
  • Joint statement by nine international organisations defending press freedom and journalists