The Slavko Curuvija Foundation documented 156 verbal attacks by Serbian state officials against journalists and media outlets in April, carried out across social media, during media appearances, and at Serbian Parliament meetings.
In a press release, the Foundation noted the emergence of new narratives that contribute to a hostile atmosphere, the discrediting of journalists and media organizations, and the fueling of distrust toward critical journalism.
These new narratives include allegations that the media are allied with the opposition or “rogue” institutions in anti-state activities, with independent media outlets even being cast in a coordinating role.
State officials utilized cynicism and mockery that transgressed the boundaries of appropriateness, especially given the positions of power they hold, the Foundation said.
Leading the list of verbal attackers in April were Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) MPs Milenko Jovanov (42 attacks), Nebojsa Bakarec (38), and Vladimir Djukanovic (21), followed by Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic (12) and President Aleksandar Vucic (11).
Other officials involved in the attacks include Prime Minister Djuro Macut, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Nevena Djuric, SNS leader and Presidential Advisor Milos Vucevic, Culture Minister Nikola Selakovic, Labor Minister Milica Djurdjevic Stamenkovski, and Environmental Protection Minister Sara Pavkov, among others.
Once again, the primary targets were United Group media outlets: N1, Nova S, Danas, and Radar.
Source: N1
