Belgrade, Serbia — Dozens of journalists blocked traffic outside Serbia’s populist office on Wednesday President Alexander Vucic There are increasing attacks and pressure on them to oppose what they say Media in the Balkan countries.
The gathering in Belgrade was held after journalists reported on local elections serbia On Sunday, violent incidents were reported in at least three of the 10 cities where voting took place.
Serbia’s Independent Journalists Association said in a statement, “We want to show solidarity with colleagues who were attacked that day (Sunday)… but also to emphasize the harsh and more dangerous situation of journalists in the region.”
The group said that “attacks on journalists are not isolated incidents, they are a systematic blow to the public’s right to know.”
international observer He said he witnessed violence and irregularities on Sunday.
The vote was seen as a test for Vucic after more than a year of youth leadership street protests Which has shaken his strong hold on power. His right-wing populist Serbian Progressive Party won all 10 municipalities.
The Serbian Media Association said about 20 journalists were attacked on Sunday, while more than 100 attacks have been recorded this year.
Authorities have promised to investigate but are unlikely to hold any attackers responsible.
Serbia is formally a candidate country for EU membership, but Vucic has been accused of curbing democracy, including media freedom, while nurturing ties with Russia and China.
Tension increased on Tuesday also Police raided The headquarters of the University of Belgrade said they were investigating the death of a student. The university said officials were misusing the case to exert pressure after student-led protests, which first began in November 2024. railway station tragedy In the north of the country.
Thousands of people gathered outside the Rectorate building in downtown Belgrade on Tuesday to protest police actions. A brief scuffle broke out as police pushed the protesters away from the building.
Youth-led movement formed after a railway station Canopy collapse in Novi Sad 16 people were killed in this. It poses the biggest challenge to Vucic’s leadership in more than a decade.
