United Nations experts condemned the threats and attacks on journalists in Serbia, including those against N1 and other United Media outlets, a press release from the OHCHR said on Friday.
The UN experts warned of spiraling attacks against independent media and journalists over the past year and called the government to end impunity for perpetrators of these crimes. “We condemn the ongoing threats and attacks on journalists in Serbia that seem to take place within a broader, seemingly state-sponsored narrative against independent media, including N1 and other outlets of the United Media Group,” the experts said.
“This rhetoric by public officials is dangerous. It may be taken as tacit consent for attacks on journalists and leaves the door wide open for future threats and attacks,” the experts said and added that independent journalists now face almost daily threats, including of death, and feel unsafe reporting in public spaces following verbal and physical assaults with the police often failing to react.
“The rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, including the right to information for all, are even more critical during times of crisis. Serbia must stop these threats on independent media and ensure accountability for attacks on journalists. Impunity for perpetrators perpetuates these attacks,” the experts said.
The press release said that the UN experts are in touch with the Government of Serbia on this matter.
Source: N1
