Journalism, PHOTO: Pixabay
Fifteen senior state officials publicly, and on social media, attacked journalists and media outlets at least 137 times, the Curuvija Foundation reported on Sept. 8.
Along with the president of Serbia, the Serbian speaker, and MPs, almost the entire cabinet took part in “these intimidation campaigns,” including the minister of information, the Foundation stated.
The dominant narratives used against journalists reporting on protests across Serbia, and criticizing the government, tend to discredit them and undermine trust in their report. They are labeled, demonized and dehumanized, and repeatedly accused of involvement in a so-called "colored revolution," anti-government protests, and activities aimed at "bringing Serbia down."
Journalists and media were most frequently attacked in August by Serbian Progressive Party’s MPs, namely, Milenko Jovanov and Nebojsa Bakarec, with 22 incidents each, followed by Vladimir Djukanovic with 19 - more than Aleksandar Vucic (18), and the same number as Ana Brnabic.
On more than 20 occasions, journalists and media were criminalized and labeled as "terrorists," "fascists," and "Nazis." At one press conference alone, Vucic referred to "occupation media" nine times.
Directly targeted outlets included TV N1 and Nova S, as well as Danas, Vreme, Raskrikavanje, Radar, and Ozon B.
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