Cameramen (BETAPHOTO/ARMENIJA ZAJMI BESEVIC/EV)
The OSCE Office for Media Freedom called on the authorities in Serbia on Aug. 22 to "independently and urgently investigate all reported cases of violence against journalists and ensure that journalists can work safely, without undue interference."
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu said that "unfortunately, this unchecked trend continues," referring to the "escalation of threats, violence, and the harassment of journalists and the media in Serbia."
This situation puts the media environment in Serbia "under serious pressure," Braathu wrote on social media, stressing that "there is a systematic targeting of media not aligned with the authorities," which is "widespread." He noted that journalists from N1 and Nova in particular faced hostile rhetoric, humiliation, the obstruction of reporting, and even physical attacks.
According to him, "the words used by politicians contribute to a general atmosphere that can lead to violence against journalists." He emphasized that "public officials bear a special responsibility to avoid language that can stigmatize journalists or contribute to an atmosphere of tension and division."
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