Press freedom organizations warn of rising media repression in Belarus and Serbia

International press organizations are warning of escalating threats and repression against independent media in Belarus and Serbia.

In Belarus, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) reports that 21 journalists and media workers are currently imprisoned for political reasons. The crackdown, which has intensified since the 2020 elections, includes heavy prison sentences for charges such as “high treason” and “collaboration with mass media.” The EFJ and the International Federation of Journalists are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained for exercising their profession. Additionally, the Belarusian Association of Journalists has been designated an “extremist” organization.

In Serbia, eight press organizations, including the EFJ and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have raised alarms regarding a rise in online death threats and sexual violence threats against independent media workers and their families. Since March, the Mapping Media Freedom platform has recorded 31 online death threats against 44 media workers. Organizations claim that Serbian authorities incite hatred against journalists, creating a climate of impunity that has forced several reporters to flee the country due to safety concerns.