The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the latest threats and targeting of journalists, as well as media outlets.
The President of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, Miloš Vučević, last night made serious accusations against Dinko Gruhonjić, Program Director of the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (NDNV) and a university professor. Vučević stated that the alleged “attacks by Professor Dinko Gruhonjić of the University of Novi Sad on the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, constitute attacks on the constitutional order and the independence of Serbia.” Such statements by public officials are unacceptable in a democratic society and seriously endanger the safety of Dinko Gruhonjić.
Yesterday, a crew from TV Nova was obstructed while working in the field. Specifically, students from the group “Mladi Kula” organized an action in the center of Kula, and shortly after their gathering began, activists of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) arrived, including high-ranking provincial party official Vladimir Galić. Soon after the arrival of SNS activists, an attack occurred in which two masked assailants poured red paint over a stand. According to the students, the police did not react, which led to a citizen’s arrest. While the Nova crew was recording the detention, one of the police officers roughly warned them that they were not allowed to film. Such behavior represents a continuation of the police’s harsh treatment of journalists and media workers while reporting on events of public interest.
Additionally, on Friday, the Instagram account of the Čačak-based outlet Ozon Press was temporarily suspended. The editorial team was informed that the account had been suspended for 180 days due to alleged violations of community guidelines and that certain actions needed to be taken immediately to avoid permanent deletion of the account. The newsroom promptly contacted Meta’s support, and the account was soon restored. IJAS reminds the public that this is just one in a series of attempts to abuse reporting systems for alleged violations of social media rules, resulting in the temporary or permanent shutdown of Instagram accounts belonging to media outlets and journalists. Such activities constitute an abuse of Instagram’s terms of use and a form of digital sabotage. There are serious indications that these actions are the result of coordinated bot and automated activities, which affect not only media outlets and media workers and their work, but also media freedom and freedom of expression. IJAS has already addressed these concerns to Meta in a formal letter.
NUNS will continue to monitor these cases and will provide all available support to colleagues who are exposed to constant pressure and threats and who work in an environment that views them as enemies and fails to recognize their role in society.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, February 2, 2026
