Serbia escalates crackdown on independent journalists, targeting Beta news agency

Serbian authorities have intensified pressure on independent journalism, focusing on the Beta news agency. The chief editor Vojkan Kostić received a summons from the Criminal Police Directorate to answer allegations of preparing actions against the constitutional order and national security, after reporting on a raid of military analyst Aleksandar Radić’s apartment. The summons followed earlier incidents, including the vandalism of a university professor’s son’s car and accusations of using a sound cannon during student protests.

The Romani Party publicly backed Beta and called on international bodies such as the OSCE and the European Commission to defend media freedom. The EU-alive portal condemned the systematic intimidation of journalists and analysts, warning that these measures signal a drift toward authoritarianism in Serbia. International partners were urged to ensure transparency and protect independent reporting in line with European standards.