The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the threats directed at the newsroom of Južne vesti, which further endanger the safety of journalists already working under extremely difficult and hostile conditions.
In comments on the Južne vesti website, an anonymous user wrote: “you are ripe for execution,” while additional arrogance and lack of fear of consequences were reflected in the message: “feel free to make a news story out of this.” Such messages are a direct call to violence and must be prosecuted without delay.
This is yet another example in a series of threats and intimidation of journalists in Serbia, clearly pointing to the alarming state of our society, where such communication has become commonplace and threats are normalized. Particularly concerning is the fact that such rhetoric largely goes unpunished, which further emboldens perpetrators and undermines media freedom.
We demand that the competent institutions respond urgently, identify and punish those responsible, thereby demonstrating that such behavior is unacceptable in a democratic society. Only through concrete action can conditions be created to prevent further attacks and restore trust in the system for protecting journalists.
For far too long we have been living in a society where threats and such discourse towards journalists are tolerated. The institutions of this country must finally begin to do their job—efficiently, decisively, and in the public interest.
IJAS expresses full solidarity with colleagues from Južne vesti and emphasizes that in situations like this, they are not alone.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, 28 August 2025
