Serbia - April 2023

Following a visit in Serbia and multiple meetings with journalists, editors, media unions and associations in Serbia, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) concluded that independent journalism in the country is experiencing its biggest crisis in years. The organization warned about the lack of safety for journalists, weak rule of law, hostility towards independent reporting, as well as capture of the media. The undermining of the prosecution of attacks on journalists by political leaders has been cited as a major challenge. The IFJ has said that Serbia is one of the EU candidate countries where the media faces the strongest attacks and pressure, and where critical journalism is seen as unpatriotic by the political class. Both President Aleksandar Vučić, and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić were cited for insults and attempts to discredit independent journalism.  

Sources: International Federation of Journalists, Danas, Cenzolovka