CRTA election observer targeted by media smear campaigns

The Shepherd Foundation has reported a sharp increase in negative media coverage and smear campaigns targeting CRTA, an independent election observer organization in Serbia. A monitoring study conducted between September 1 and October 4 analyzed 25 domestic online media outlets and social media platforms.

According to the findings, 130 texts were published in an extremely negative context, primarily within tabloid media. The reports indicate that 12 of the 25 monitored outlets actively produced or disseminated content aimed at undermining CRTA's legitimacy. The Shepherd Foundation noted that these attacks often target the organization's identity rather than its methodology.

The intensity of the attacks increased as elections approached. Significant spikes in negative coverage occurred following CRTA's refusal to participate in a debate with Aleksandar Vučić on RTS, and after the release of an audio recording involving a member of CRTA's legal team. The smear campaign reportedly stems from four main sources: government officials, party operatives, pseudo-independent entities, and social media.