Serbian journalists targeted with threats and identity fraud

Journalist Kristina Demeter Filipčev of the bilingual portal Bečejski mozaik received violent threats, hate speech and misogynistic messages on Facebook and Instagram after publishing a report on a student‑organized rally in Vojvodina. The messages, posted from accounts such as Milan Rakić, Mirko Zec and others, included calls for physical violence and extremist slurs. The journalist has reported several similar cases to police and prosecutors, but none have resulted in convictions. The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) urged authorities to protect journalists and to stop the toxic rhetoric used by senior officials.

Separately, the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) disclosed that its reporter Jelena Zoric’s identity, together with the organization’s logo, was hijacked in sponsored online advertisements promoting a non‑existent investment fund. The ads featured an AI‑generated image placing Zoric beside Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, misleading citizens into providing personal and financial data. BIRN announced it will report the scheme to internet platforms, the high‑tech crime prosecutor’s office and the national communications regulator.