On March 29, 2026, the journalist section of the Permanent Working Group for Journalist Safety (SRG) called on the Serbian Ministry of Interior to immediately identify and detain individuals physically attacking journalists and citizens during local elections in ten municipalities across Serbia.
According to eyewitness reports, in the first hours after polling stations opened, masked assailants dressed in black targeted students, observers, journalists, and ordinary citizens. While police intervened to maintain public order, there are no confirmed reports of arrests or identification of the attackers.
Among the victims is Zoomer journalist Darko Gligorijević, who was attacked in Bajina Bašta while reporting on-site. Assailants attempted to seize his phone, punched him in the head, and sprayed him with pepper spray despite his clear identification as a journalist. Other media personnel, including reporters from Mašina, Blokada Info, and Politički Globus, experienced similar attacks, with equipment stolen and a vehicle from the Insajder team having its tires slashed.
Instead of ensuring journalists’ safety, the police detained Revolt journalist Ivan Bjelić, citing an outstanding warrant. SRG demanded his immediate release and a public explanation for the arrest.
SRG and other media organizations urged authorities to ensure a peaceful election day and protect journalists’ ability to work freely, emphasizing that all incidents interfering with media coverage or the electoral process must be properly investigated.
Journalists are encouraged to report threats, attacks, or interference to emergency hotlines, including ANEM (0800 100 115), NUNS (060 688 22 31), and UNS (062 530 337 / 064 941 04 89).
SRG, established in January 2017, includes representatives from Serbia’s Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry of Interior, six journalist and media associations, and the OSCE Mission in Serbia as an observer.
