Record Wave of Violence Against Journalists in Serbia Exceeds Annual Totals

Strategic Insights -

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has documented a staggering 34 physical attacks on journalists, photojournalists, and video reporters in less than two months in Serbia, exceeding all annual totals of violence against media professionals since at least 2020. The attacks, which occurred while covering anti-corruption demonstrations, were committed by both violent supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and law enforcement officers. The EU must act to condemn the record number of attacks on Serbian reporters, as the current annual tally for 2025 stands at 65 cases - an unprecedented level.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of physical attacks on journalists in Serbia has reached a record high, with 34 incidents reported in less than two months, exceeding all annual totals since 2020.
  • The attacks were committed by both violent supporters of the SNS and law enforcement officers, with the majority occurring while covering anti-corruption demonstrations.
  • The current annual tally for 2025 stands at 65 cases, an unprecedented level according to RSF data.
  • Serbian journalists are regularly threatened or assaulted with metal bars, bricks, and stones by violent political supporters, while the police arbitrarily spray them with tear gas.
  • The authorities' passivity and potential complicity in these abuses is incompatible with Serbia's goal of joining the EU.
  • RSF calls on the European Parliament and influential member states such as Germany and France to firmly condemn the record number of attacks on Serbian reporters.
  • President Aleksandar Vucic has made unfounded accusations that the protests and certain independent media outlets are orchestrating a "coup" financed by Western countries.
  • The head of state has even branded the N1 and Nova S television channels, which courageously cover the protests, as "terrorists."

Statistics:

  • 34 physical attacks on journalists, photojournalists, and video reporters reported in less than two months in Serbia.
  • 14 attacks committed by violent supporters of the SNS.
  • 20 attacks carried out by law enforcement officers.
  • 65 cases reported in 2025, an unprecedented level.
  • Average of one Serbian media professional physically assaulted every two days since July 1.
  • 17 attacks reported in 2024.
  • Serbia ranked 96th out of 180 countries and territories in the RSF 2025 World Press Freedom Index, with the second-to-last position in the EU-Balkans zone.

Sources:

  • Reporters Without Borders (RSF) - "Serbia: Over 30 journalists attacked in under two months, RSF urges EU to strongly condemn record wave of violence" - August 28.