Coalition for Media Freedom: The freedom of public information must not be violated by the abuse of official position and public authority.
The Coalition for Media Freedom, consisting of the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia, the Association of Media, the Local Press Association, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation, the Independent Journalists' Society of Serbia, the Association of Online Media, and the NGO KUM Independence, warns that the rhetoric involving the targeting of media from the highest levels of government is increasingly being reflected in local communities, thereby directly jeopardizing the safety of local journalists.
The Coalition for Media Freedom expresses deep concern over the increasing cases of targeting female and male journalists in small communities, where local officials openly call them out by name. Such actions pose a serious risk to their professional integrity and personal safety, especially considering the specificity of local communities where journalists are also the neighbors of those targeting them.
It is alarming that in these cases, rhetoric characteristic of the highest levels of government in Serbia is being recognized—rhetoric in which media that are not favored by the authorities are labeled as enemies, accomplices, or participants in political games. This pattern is increasingly being replicated at the local level, further worsening the position of local journalists who lack institutional mechanisms for protection and work in a significantly more sensitive social environment.
During November and December 2025, two particularly illustrative cases were recorded. At a session of the Bečej Municipal Assembly, the mayor Vuk Radojević specifically targeted journalist Kristina Demeter Filipčev of Bečej Mosaic by name twice in his speech, insinuating that her reporting ignores positive topics and accusing her of alleged support in making previous decisions. At the same time, the mayor of Novi Bečej, Saša Maksimović, stated in a public holiday greeting to citizens that “a lot has conspired against the policies of the Republic of Serbia, from the level of the European Union to rural Novi Bečej portals.” In a situation where there is only one registered portal in Novi Bečej—Webinfo—such a statement has a clear target and represents direct targeting of that media outlet.
Such statements constitute a serious violation of legally guaranteed freedoms. The Law on Public Information and Media clearly stipulates in its Article 4:
“Direct and indirect discrimination against media editors, journalists, and other persons in the field of public information is prohibited, particularly regarding their political affiliation and beliefs or other personal characteristics.” It also states: “The freedom of public information must not be violated by the abuse of official positions and public authority.”
It is also concerning that local officials, increasingly using positions of power, resort to discrediting strategies that have become part of a broader political pattern in Serbia. In such a context, independent local media become targets—not because they are failing to do their job, but precisely because they are doing it responsibly, in the interest of the citizens.
The Coalition for Media Freedom appeals to local and national institutions to protect journalists from such pressures and to consistently enforce the laws that guarantee freedom of expression and information.
The Coalition for Media Freedom consists of: the Media Association, the Online Media Association (AOM), the Independent Journalists' Association of Vojvodina (NDNV), the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS), the Business Association of Local and Independent Media “Local Press,” the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation, and GS KUM Nezavisnost.
