The MFRR condemns President Vučić’s recent public accusation labelling reporting by Nova S and N1 as “pure terrorism”. Our organisations, which recently carried out a media freedom mission to #Serbia, call on the President to immediately cease using such dangerous rhetoric against the press.
His comments represent a serious escalation in verbal attacks and pressure on independent media by political leaders, amidst ongoing student-led protests. Journalists reporting from the streets continue to face physical assaults, including violence at the hands of police. Media freedom in Serbia is at it’s lowest point in decades and continues to decline at an alarming speed.
While the EU has condemned all acts of violence, called for the protection of freedom of assembly and that police actions need to be proportional and in line with fundamental rights, it has so far failed to specifically address the alarming rise in violence against journalists. A stronger, more direct response, including from Member States, is urgently needed.
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom ECPMF
European Federation of Journalists – EFJ
ARTICLE 19
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa
International Press Institute
Free Press
Unlimited S
Source: MFRR
