On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS) issued a grave warning: Serbia still lives in an atmosphere of impunity, where attacks on journalists go unpunished and murders remain unsolved.
“When three journalist murders — Dada Vujasinović, Slavko Ćuruvija, and Milan Pantić — remain without justice, it becomes clear that the system neither can nor wants to protect journalists and media freedom,” NUNS stated.
The association emphasized that the acquittal in the Ćuruvija case symbolizes the collapse of justice in Serbia and sends a message that truth is not protected by the state.
Record Number of Attacks in 2025
According to NUNS data, Serbia recorded 238 attacks and pressures on journalists in 2025, of which 136 were reported to the authorities — yet only one resulted in a conviction, just like the previous year.
Currently, 126 cases remain under investigation by public prosecutors, while many more go unreported due to mistrust in institutions and a culture of impunity.
“The rising number of physical attacks, especially during protests and public gatherings, is alarming,” NUNS warned.
“Photojournalists and reporters covering demonstrations are frequent targets — and what is most concerning, the police, who should protect them, are increasingly among the attackers.”
Surveillance and Inaction
NUNS also drew attention to surveillance and spyware being used against Serbian journalists.
Their phones are being monitored, while investigations into such cases stagnate for months.
This lack of transparency and efficiency, the association said, deepens distrust and reinforces the notion that impunity has become the rule.
Call for Institutional Accountability
The organization urged Serbian institutions — including the police, prosecutors, and courts — to immediately implement measures for:
- Faster and more effective investigations,
- Consistent prosecution of offenders,
- Efficient protection mechanisms for journalists, especially during protests and public events.
“Impunity for attacks on journalists threatens not only their safety but also the core values of democracy — freedom of expression and the public’s right to information,” NUNS declared.
A Final Message
“Journalism is not a crime. An attack on a journalist is an attack on the public interest.”
