Nearly 90 journalists have been physically assaulted in Serbia over the past year amid widespread anti-government protests, prompting international condemnation and a formal reprimand from the European Parliament.
Violence Against Media Amid Political Unrest
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), at least 89 journalists have been physically attacked in Serbia since November 2024, when the collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad killed 16 people and triggered a nationwide protest movement. The demonstrations, initially focused on infrastructure accountability, have evolved into broader demands for transparency, anti-corruption reforms, and media freedom.
Journalists covering these events have faced physical assaults, intimidation, and equipment confiscation, often at the hands of security forces or pro-government activists. RSF has partnered with the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS) to provide protective gear and legal support to affected reporters Reporters sans frontières | RSF.
European Parliament Resolution
On 22 October 2025, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the Serbian government’s response to the protests, citing “escalating repression” and “violence against media professionals.” The resolution holds the administration of President Aleksandar Vučić politically responsible for undermining democratic norms and calls for targeted sanctions against officials implicated in human rights abuses europarl.europa.eu SeeNews.
The resolution also urges Serbia to restore press freedom, judicial independence, and civil liberties, warning that continued violations could jeopardize the country’s EU accession prospects.
Broader Implications
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) have documented a surge in threats, online harassment, and surveillance targeting independent media outlets. Critics say the government has weaponized state institutions to silence dissent and promote pro-Russian narratives Committee to Protect Journalists Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project – OCCRP.
Despite international pressure, Serbian authorities have downplayed the incidents as isolated and defended their security response as necessary to maintain public order.
Sources:
Reporters sans frontières | RSFRSF – 89 attacks on journalists in Serbia
europarl.europa.euEuropean Parliament – Resolution on Serbia
SeeNewsSeeNews – EP slams repression in Serbia
Committee to Protect JournalistsCPJ – Escalation in attacks on journalists
Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project – OCCRPOCCRP – Europe confronts Serbia
