MFRR urges EU to stop acting like nothing is happening in Serbia

**EU Urged to Condemn Attacks on Journalists in Serbia**

A group of international journalists and media experts, part of the Media Freedom rapid Response (MFRR) mission, have called on the European Union (EU) to take action against attacks on journalists, media outlets, and civil society organizations in Serbia. The mission members expressed their concerns at a press conference after completing their visit to Serbia.

The EU is being urged to stop “pretending that all is well” in Serbia and to publicly condemn all cases of attacks on journalists and media workers. The MFRR mission has assessed that Serbia is experiencing an unprecedented crisis regarding media freedom, requiring an urgent response from the international community.

**A Call for Accountability**

The MFRR mission members have made several demands, including:

* The EU should consistently and publicly raise issues related to attacks on journalists and civil society organizations every time it meets with Serbian authorities.
* The EU should publicly state that it will not continue negotiations with Serbia on Chapter 23 until all attacks on journalists and civil society organizations cease.
* An end to public attacks on journalists, especially those covering ongoing protests.
* A halt to illegal police activities, including raids and unjustified searches.
* Action against the use of spyware and ensuring that such cases are prosecuted.

**A Show of Solidarity**

The MFRR mission aimed to show solidarity with journalists and media workers in Serbia. During their stay, they met with various stakeholders, including journalists, representatives from media associations, police, and prosecutor’s office officials. Notably, they did not meet with Serbian state officials.

**Protecting Journalists and Media Workers**

The MFRR mission concluded by calling for the protection of journalists and cameramen. They also emphasized the need for police to expedite investigations into crimes against journalists, particularly those that have occurred in recent months.