In November 2025, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association sent a joint communication to the Government of Serbia raising concerns about serious and escalating threats to media freedom, with a particular focus on attacks, intimidation, and alleged political pressure targeting United Media and journalists from N1 and Nova television. The communication builds on a series of earlier UN letters addressing protests, surveillance, judicial pressure, and repression of civil society in Serbia.
The Special Rapporteurs note that the reported incidents occurred in the broader context of mass protests following the fatal infrastructure collapse at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, and intensified as demonstrations expanded across the country. According to the information received, independent journalists covering protests were subjected to verbal abuse, death threats, physical assaults, obstruction while reporting, and confiscation or destruction of equipment, often while clearly identified as members of the press. The communication highlights that police were frequently present during such incidents but failed to intervene or provide protection.
The letter documents a sharp rise in attacks against journalists in 2025, citing data from the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS), which recorded 263 cases of threats and attacks during the year, including physical assaults and threats to life. Journalists from N1 and Nova were reportedly targeted repeatedly, including through death threats referencing past terrorist attacks against journalists, intimidation at protests, and harassment at or near their workplaces. In several cases, threats were reported to prosecutorial authorities, but no effective investigations or sanctions were documented.
Beyond physical attacks, the communication raises concerns about political and economic pressure on United Media, including allegations of state influence over personnel changes and operations. The Special Rapporteurs refer to publicly reported audio recordings and statements suggesting attempts to weaken or shut down independent media outlets in Serbia.
Without prejudging the accuracy of the allegations, the Special Rapporteurs express alarm at the cumulative effect of threats, attacks, stigmatization, and impunity. They warn that such an environment poses serious risks to journalists’ safety, encourages self-censorship, and undermines freedom of expression and the public’s right to receive information — particularly during periods of social and political unrest. The communication recalls Serbia’s obligations under international human rights law to protect journalists, prevent incitement to violence, investigate attacks effectively, and ensure an enabling environment for independent media.
The Special Rapporteurs request detailed information from the Serbian authorities on investigations into attacks and threats against journalists, measures taken to protect media workers, steps to ensure media independence, and the implementation of Serbia’s legal and policy framework on media freedom. They also warn that, given the seriousness of the allegations, the UN may publicly express its concerns if the issues remain unresolved.
The Special Rapporteurs note that the reported incidents occurred in the broader context of mass protests following the fatal infrastructure collapse at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, and intensified as demonstrations expanded across the country. According to the information received, independent journalists covering protests were subjected to verbal abuse, death threats, physical assaults, obstruction while reporting, and confiscation or destruction of equipment, often while clearly identified as members of the press. The communication highlights that police were frequently present during such incidents but failed to intervene or provide protection.
The letter documents a sharp rise in attacks against journalists in 2025, citing data from the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS), which recorded 263 cases of threats and attacks during the year, including physical assaults and threats to life. Journalists from N1 and Nova were reportedly targeted repeatedly, including through death threats referencing past terrorist attacks against journalists, intimidation at protests, and harassment at or near their workplaces. In several cases, threats were reported to prosecutorial authorities, but no effective investigations or sanctions were documented.
Beyond physical attacks, the communication raises concerns about political and economic pressure on United Media, including allegations of state influence over personnel changes and operations. The Special Rapporteurs refer to publicly reported audio recordings and statements suggesting attempts to weaken or shut down independent media outlets in Serbia.
They also highlight public statements by senior state officials, including the President and other high-ranking authorities, labeling independent media as “terrorists,” “enemies,” or “occupier media,” rhetoric that the experts warn may legitimize violence and harassment against journalists.
Without prejudging the accuracy of the allegations, the Special Rapporteurs express alarm at the cumulative effect of threats, attacks, stigmatization, and impunity. They warn that such an environment poses serious risks to journalists’ safety, encourages self-censorship, and undermines freedom of expression and the public’s right to receive information — particularly during periods of social and political unrest. The communication recalls Serbia’s obligations under international human rights law to protect journalists, prevent incitement to violence, investigate attacks effectively, and ensure an enabling environment for independent media.
The Special Rapporteurs request detailed information from the Serbian authorities on investigations into attacks and threats against journalists, measures taken to protect media workers, steps to ensure media independence, and the implementation of Serbia’s legal and policy framework on media freedom. They also warn that, given the seriousness of the allegations, the UN may publicly express its concerns if the issues remain unresolved.
