The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the latest threats directed at journalists in Serbia—specifically, against the newsroom of N1 television and Sava Majstorov, a journalist from the Soinfo portal in Sombor. These disturbing incidents represent a direct attack on media freedom and further highlight the dangerous environment in which journalists in Serbia work daily.
The newsroom of N1 television received a threatening letter via regular mail. The letter was sent by an anonymous individual who described themselves as a “sincere Serbian patriot.” Disguised as a “plea” to stop what the author calls “anti-Serbian hysteria and inciting propaganda,” the letter contains a serious warning that borders on an open death threat. The author refers to the 2015 attack on the editorial office of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, suggesting that something similar could happen to N1 journalists. The letter also tells employees to change their names, surnames, places of residence, and even religion—intensifying the message of fear and coercion.
Several female journalists from N1 are explicitly named in the letter, making the incident even more serious and representing a direct threat to their lives and safety.
It is evident that this act seeks to pressure the editorial policy of N1, aiming to silence it, alter its reporting, and force it to abandon the public interest in favor of the interests of extremist groups. It is important to note that these threats come as a result of long-standing targeting of N1 journalists by high-ranking state officials and pro-government media, which further contributes to an atmosphere of impunity and the normalization of violence against journalists.
In addition to this case, Sava Majstorov, a journalist from the Soinfo portal in Sombor, was subjected to verbal abuse and explicit death threats while reporting on protests and citizen roadblocks in the city. According to his account, the incident occurred when he exited his vehicle and accidentally touched another car with the door, prompting a violent reaction from a group gathered at a nearby café. Members of the Serbian Progressive Party were reportedly among them. Although Majstorov clearly identified himself as a journalist on duty, this did not prevent a barrage of insults and death threats, including “I’ll kill you” and “I’ll slit your throat.” He immediately reported the incident to police officers present at the scene, who later took statements from all individuals involved.
The SafeJournalists Network calls on the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia to immediately identify and prosecute the individual who sent the threatening letter to the N1 newsroom and to urgently ensure the presence of police at N1’s premises. We also demand that the police fully investigate the threats made against journalist Sava Majstorov in Sombor. Every attack and threat against journalists must be taken seriously and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Serbia—without exception and regardless of the social or political status of the perpetrators.
We warn that institutional passivity in such cases is dangerous—it sends the message that journalists are legitimate targets, especially those covering issues of public interest and reporting critically. Particularly troubling is the fact that in many previous cases, the police have failed to respond or failed to adequately protect journalists while performing their duties in public, further encouraging a culture of intimidation and impunity.
The SafeJournalists Network once again urges all relevant institutions to ensure the safety of journalists and enable them to carry out their work without fear. Media freedom is the cornerstone of any democratic society, and its erosion leads to silence, censorship, and the loss of the public’s right to be informed.
The SafeJournalists Network will inform national and international stakeholders about these alarming developments and continue to monitor the situation closely.
Any attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, public interest, and fundamental human rights.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, July 11, 2025
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
