The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS) has sent an open letter to the Instagram platform regarding a series of temporary suspensions and shutdowns of accounts belonging to independent media outlets and journalists in Serbia.
The letter emphasizes that the fact that some accounts have since been restored does not diminish the damage caused to freedom of expression, and that, given the current situation in Serbia, similar cases can be expected to recur in the coming period.
NUNS states that in recent weeks a pattern has been observed of mass reporting and mass following of accounts with the aim of prompting Meta to shut down the accounts of independent newsrooms and journalists. Such activities constitute an abuse of Instagram’s terms of service and a form of digital sabotage, with serious indications that these are coordinated bot-driven and automated activities.
According to the letter, the consequences are “most likely automatic suspensions,” often without clear explanation, prior warning, or an effective mechanism for a swift appeal, raising serious concerns about the direct and disproportionate impact on the work of professional media and their social role.
NUNS warns that these events cannot be viewed as isolated incidents, but rather as part of a broader context of seriously and persistently undermined media freedom in Serbia. The association recalls that independent and critical media have for years operated in an unfavorable environment, facing political, economic, and security pressures, including threats and physical attacks against journalists, smear campaigns in pro-government media, public targeting by public officials, as well as strategic lawsuits (SLAPPs) aimed at intimidation and financially exhausting newsrooms.
The letter also points to additional obstacles, such as restricted access to information of public importance, non-transparent conduct by institutions, and selective treatment of media outlets, while the erosion of media pluralism has been confirmed in reports by both domestic and international organizations.
NUNS stresses that, due to the high concentration of control over traditional media, digital platforms and social networks have become one of the few spaces where independent media and journalists can publish and exchange information—particularly given that a significant number of young people obtain information on social and political issues through digital platforms.
The association warns that any restriction or shutdown of independent media accounts further narrows the space for free expression and creates a “chilling effect,” sending the message that professional and critical journalism can be sanctioned without clear criteria and transparent procedures.
NUNS recalls that freedom of expression is guaranteed by international conventions and emphasizes that temporary suspensions and shutdowns of accounts pose a serious threat to media pluralism and the public’s right to information.
The full letter can be read at the following link: Letter of concern – NUNS (IJAS).
Meanwhile, new bot attacks
Today, the Instagram accounts of N1, Danas, Nova.rs, Nova TV, and Radar once again came under bot attacks.
Within one hour, the N1 account gained 28,000 followers; Nova.rs gained 80,000 new followers in half an hour; Danas gained 30,000, as did Radar; and the Nova TV account was also targeted by bots, the outlets reported.
