**Serbia’s Press Freedom Hits a “Critical” Point**
The situation for journalists in Serbia has become increasingly dire, with attacks and threats on the rise amid massive anti-government protests. According to a report by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a group that monitors press freedom across Europe, Serbia is facing a “critical” crisis when it comes to media freedom.
**A Rise in Attacks and Threats**
Jasmijn de Zeeuw, from the Free Press Unlimited group, said that attacks on journalists have doubled compared to last year. The MFRR recorded 56 incidents related to the coverage of a train station tragedy and subsequent protests that followed. These incidents include physical attacks, threats, online smear campaigns, raids on offices without search warrants, and blockades of journalists.
**The EU Must Act**
De Zeeuw urged the European Union to take action, saying that Serbia’s pursuit of membership should not come at the expense of democratic freedoms, including press freedom. Reporters Without Borders also recently issued a statement condemning the situation in Serbia, stating that “Serbian journalism is being systematically repressed yet European political leaders remain locked in a state of guilty inaction.”
**A Pattern of Suppression**
Jamie Wiseman, an advocacy officer with the International Press Institute, noted that Serbia ranks among the countries in Europe with the highest confirmed use of spyware against journalists. This is just one example of the growing pattern of suppression faced by journalists in Serbia.
**The Government’s Response**
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has been accused of stifling democratic freedoms, including press freedom. His government has stepped up pressure to quell protests, with Vucic calling protesting university students “terrorists.” Two foreign citizens have also been ordered to leave the country for supporting the protests.
**The Way Forward**
David Diaz-Jogeix, senior director of programs at Article 19, called on the Serbian authorities and the EU to take action. He urged the government to cease public attacks on journalists and media, and for the EU to issue a public condemnation of the attacks and threats on journalists. “They cannot be business as usual,” he warned.
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