NUNS sent an open letter to Instagram: The suspension and shutdown of independent media accounts threaten freedom of expression.

The letter emphasizes that the fact that certain accounts have been restored in the meantime does not diminish the damage inflicted on freedom of expression, and that, given the current situation in Serbia, similar cases can be expected to occur in the near future.

NUNS notes that a pattern of mass reporting and mass following of accounts has been observed in recent weeks, aimed at having Meta disable the accounts of independent editorial offices and journalists. Such activities constitute an abuse of Instagram's terms of use and a form of digital sabotage, with serious indications that they involve coordinated bot and automated activities.

According to the letter, the consequences are "most likely automatic suspensions," often without clear explanations, without prior warning, and without an effective mechanism for rapid appeals, which raises serious concerns about the direct and disproportionate impact on the work of professional media and their social role.

NUNS warns in the letter that these events cannot be seen as isolated incidents, but rather as part of a broader context of severely and durably compromised media freedom in Serbia. NUNS reminds that independent and critical media have been operating for years in an unfavorable environment, facing political, economic, and security pressures, including threats and physical attacks on journalists, discreditation campaigns in pro-government media, public targeting by holders of public office, as well as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) aimed at intimidating and financially exhausting editorial offices.

The letter also points to additional obstacles, such as restricting access to information of public importance, the non-transparent functioning of institutions, and a selective approach to the media, while the erosion of media pluralism is confirmed in reports by domestic and international organizations.

NUNS emphasizes that due to the high concentration of control over traditional media, digital platforms and social networks have become one of the few spaces where independent media and journalists can publish and exchange information, especially considering that a significant number of young citizens receive information on social and political issues precisely through digital platforms.

The association warns that any restriction or disabling of accounts of independent media further narrows the space for free expression and creates a "chilling effect," as it sends a message that professional and critical journalism can be sanctioned without clear criteria and transparent procedures.

NUNS reminds that freedom of expression is guaranteed by international conventions and emphasizes that temporary suspensions and disabling of accounts pose a serious threat to media pluralism and the public's right to be informed.

The entire letter can be read at the following link: Letter of concern – NUNS (IJAS).