State Department on Human Rights in Serbia: Serious Issues with Media Freedom
In the respect for human rights in Serbia during the past year, there have been no significant changes, but significant problems continue to be recorded regarding media freedom and expression, violence against journalists, the impunity for war crimes, and workers' rights, stated the State Department in its new annual report on human rights worldwide. Threats and attacks on journalists, non-transparent ownership of media, as well as excessive state involvement in the media sector have undermined the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of the media and expression, as noted in the section of the report that pertains to Serbia.
The report also states that in its last move before its dissolution on November 4, 2024, the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) announced that it had awarded a regional frequency (for Belgrade) to the television station Informer, a private station closely linked to the ruling party.
The license was granted without the legally required open competition, including a public discussion, it is pointed out.
The State Department also notes that during 2024, although the Law prohibits threats, pressures, or any other interference with the work of public media and journalists, and despite government efforts, attacks on journalists occurred.
According to data from the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia, there were 183 attacks on journalists recorded in 2023, and from January to September 2024, there were 97 attacks, including verbal threats, death threats, and physical violence.
There is also a noted existence of censorship by the state, military, police, criminal groups, or extremists. Citing data from representatives of media associations, financial pressures have sometimes led to media refraining from publishing content that is critical of the authorities, out of fear of government retaliation or financial repercussions.
Source: Beta
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