EFJ and IFJ condemn President Vučić's support for the campaign to discredit NUNS.
On October 29, 2025, the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS) was once again falsely accused of "supporting" the current anti-corruption protests by the newly formed, pro-government Association of Journalists of Serbia (ANS) and tabloids. This dangerous accusation, publicly endorsed by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, stemmed from NUNS's core mission – providing protective gear for journalists covering the protests, who have faced increased threats and violence for nearly the entire year.
European and International Federation of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) strongly condemns this deliberate attempt to discredit the unwavering support of our members for journalists, as well as the obvious disrespect shown by President Vučić towards the right of journalists to report freely and safely, which requires an urgent and concrete response from the European Commission.
Nearly a year after the start of anti-corruption protests, following the tragic collapse of the canopy in Novi Sad on November 1st, the state of emergency for journalists has further deteriorated, as assessed by the MFRR delegation during its solidarity mission.
Since November 1, 2024, according to data documented by EFJ on the Mapping Media Freedom platform, there have been 180 attacks affecting 329 journalists and media representatives. Of these, 77 journalists were targeted during demonstrations, while 49 were physically assaulted while reporting. The perpetrators are mainly private individuals and police officers.
In a statement, saying that “no one will encourage violence except the journalists to whom media associations are distributing helmets,” President Vučić has crossed another red line, incompatible with the rule of law.
President Vučić not only mocks the dangerous conditions that journalists have faced for almost a year, but further exposes them to the highest risk, along with their representatives.
In June, we condemned a similar coordinated attack by ANS against our members.
EFJ and IFJ express full solidarity with our colleagues in Serbia and our affiliated organizations, and urge all journalists covering the upcoming protests, including the main protest on November 1st in Novi Sad, to take all necessary protective measures and immediately report any threats or incidents to our member organizations within EFJ.
We reiterate our appeal to police officers not to exceed the use of force or arrest journalists who are reporting on the protests. By reporting on events of public interest, journalists fulfill their core duty – to provide citizens with access to accurate information.
Defending the safety of journalists means defending democracy.
Source: EFJ
