# Balkans journalist threats and repression

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-authorities-act-on-harassment-and-hatespeech-cases-involving-public-figures
> Updated: 2026-08-28T07:44:52.000Z. Sources: 59. Developments: 34.

The wave of intimidation against media workers continued across the region in August 2026. In Serbia, ANEM recorded new death threats against high‑profile figures – Veran Matić (multiple threats referencing “hydra” and “sacrifice”), N1 director Branislav Šovljanski, journalist Vladimir Mitrić, and reporters Danica Vučenić, Đorđe Mijailović and the Vranje portal Slobodna reč. Veran Matić has faced a sustained campaign of targeting and disinformation, including social media threats of hanging and public execution, and propaganda films labeling him a foreign mercenary. The Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUJ) has called for an urgent security assessment for Matić, while Serbia’s Press Council sanctioned tabloids Informer, Alo, and Večernje novosti for violating professional standards in their coverage of the attacks. The association highlighted the stark contrast between swift police action on threats to senior officials and the near‑total impunity for journalists: of 111 reported threats since 2025 only one resulted in prosecution. Matić further alleged that Serbia operates under "agreed impunity," claiming the police shield violent attackers and that President Aleksandar Vučić intervenes to pardon those convicted. 

In late August, Matić warned that the regime aims to eliminate anyone perceived as a threat, labeling journalists who adhere to European standards as “enemies of the state.” He asserted that the state has become an adversary to the press, with police documented using physical force against media workers. 

ANEM also reported increased targeting of local journalists, including Žarko Bogosavljević of Razglas News, Dragan Todorović of eStvarnost, and activist Veselin Petrović, who faced orchestrated online attacks and physical targeting after reporting on illegal waste dumping. Concurrently, Radio Sloboda Kraljevo faces severe financial instability; despite a fundraising campaign led by ANEM, the station lacks support from the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications and the City of Kraljevo, leaving its survival at risk.

## Claims

- ANEM reported new threats to Matić, including death threats of hanging and sacrifice posted on social media. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- ANEM demanded the Special Prosecutor's Office for high‑tech crime investigate the threats promptly. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Veran Matić said there is an 'agreed impunity' in Serbia where police protect attackers and prosecutors do not act. (single source)
- Matić claimed attacks on director and professor Stevan Filipović are part of a planned increase in violence by Vučić's parapolice units. (single source)
- Vučić previously targeted Matić on a TV show, saying records of those imprisoned for Matić should be erased and he should apologize. (single source)
- A propaganda film aired on national television labeling Matić as a foreign mercenary and accusing him of selling Kosovo. (single source)
- Matić requested a new security assessment from the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs. (single source)
- N1 Union and Forbes Serbia requested clarification on editorial standards from new management. (single source)
- Alpac Capital is planning to take over Adria News Network. (single source)
- Mustafa Ružnić described the change of government in Unsko-sanski Canton as a 'constitutional coup'. (single source)
- The Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS) reported threats against the editor of Forbes Serbia and N1 journalists. (single source)
- The Press Council's Appeals Commission ruled that Nova.rs and Danas did not violate the Journalists' Code regarding reporting on the Chief Prosecutor. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: ANEM reports threats to Serbian journalists and financial crisis at Radio Sloboda Kraljevo

ANEM warns of rising threats against local Serbian journalists and reports that Radio Sloboda Kraljevo relies on citizen donations to survive amid a lack of state funding.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anem-reports-threats-to-serbian-journalists-and-financial-crisis-at-radio-sloboda-kraljevo

### 2026-08-24: Balkan news: Media independence, political shifts, and economic concerns

Journalism, politics, and economics face shifts in the Balkans: N1 and Forbes demand editorial clarity in Serbia, political crises unfold in Bosnia, and Croatia's economic model faces exhaustion.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abac-mayor-faces-criminal-complaint-over-media-funding

### 2026-08-21: Press freedom organizations warn of rising media repression in Belarus and Serbia

Press freedom organizations warn of rising repression in Belarus, where 21 journalists are imprisoned, and in Serbia, where media workers face increasing death threats and harassment.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/press-freedom-organizations-warn-of-rising-media-repression-in-belarus-and-serbia

### 2026-08-19: Media freedom in Serbia faces systemic threats, says Veran Matić

Media expert Veran Matić warns of systemic attacks on press freedom in Serbia, citing police brutality against journalists and state efforts to consolidate power by suppressing independent media.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/media-freedom-in-serbia-faces-systemic-threats-says-veran-mati

### 2026-08-10: Volim Zrenjanin journalists targeted by life threats

Journalists at the ‘Volim Zrenjanin’ portal in Serbia reported life-threatening comments and phone calls. A suspect has been detained following the incident.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/volim-zrenjanin-journalists-targeted-by-life-threats

### 2026-08-08: Veran Matić faces renewed death threats in Serbia

Journalist networks SafeJournalists and ANEM demand urgent action to identify and punish those issuing death threats against Serbian journalist Veran Matić.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-journalist-veran-mati-says-state-protects-attackers-amid-rising-threats

### 2026-08-08: Six journalists flee Serbia due to security concerns

Six journalists have fled Serbia for exile due to security concerns, including military analyst Aleksandar Radić, who faces criminal charges and reported surveillance of his family.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/six-journalists-flee-serbia-due-to-security-concerns

### 2026-07-30: Veran Matić Targeted with Death Threats as Serbia’s Press Council Rebukes Media Coverage

NUJ urged Serbian authorities to assess Veran Matić’s safety after death threats, while the Press Council found three tabloids in breach of the journalists’ code for their coverage of the attacks.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/veran-mati-targeted-with-death-threats-as-serbias-press-council-rebukes-media-coverage

### 2026-07-27: Serbian journalists Vidojković and Kulačin face fresh death threats

ANEM reported a new death threat against Serbian journalists Marko Vidojković and Nenad Kulačin, highlighting police inaction on journalist threats versus swift action on officials.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-journalists-vidojkovi-and-kulain-face-fresh-death-threats

### 2026-07-27: Serbia sees increase in queer attacks and politicized criminal cases

Serbia reports rising LGBTQ+ violence and a politically charged criminal case against journalist Jasmina Paunović, underscoring human‑rights and repression issues.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-sees-increase-in-queer-attacks-and-politicized-criminal-cases

### 2026-07-21: Serbia's Journalist Threats Persist Amid Unequal Police Response

Serbian journalists face rising threats and attacks, while police act quickly on threats to officials but largely ignore cases involving media workers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbias-journalist-threats-persist-amid-unequal-police-response

### 2026-07-17: Threats to N1 Director Branislav Šovljanski Spur Calls for Police Action

ANEM denounced violent threats against N1 director Branislav Šovljanski and his family, urging Serbian authorities to identify and prosecute the sender and calling for stronger journalist protection.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/threats-to-n1-director-branislav-ovljanski-spur-calls-for-police-action

### 2026-07-16: Serbian journalist Đorđe Mijailović faces targeted campaign on Valjevo TV V5

ANEM condemned a targeted campaign against Serbian journalist Đorđe Mijailović on Valjevo TV V5, urging ministries to act after the channel aired a ten‑minute segment accusing him of spreading false news and sl

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-journalist-ore-mijailovi-faces-targeted-campaign-on-valjevo-tv-v5

### 2026-07-14: Serbia records 45% surge in attacks on journalists, 71 cases opened in first half of 2026

Serbia's ANEM reports 71 cases of journalist threats and attacks in early 2026, a 45% rise over 2025, with only 3.6% resolved and several reporters fleeing the country.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-records-71-journalist-attack-cases-in-first-half-of-2026-a-45-rise

### 2026-07-09: Serbian press group urges prosecution of threats against Vranje news outlet

ANEM demands swift prosecution of Facebook threats against Vranje portal Slobodna reč, citing media intimidation ahead of Serbian elections and urging journalists to use its safety hotline.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-press-group-urges-prosecution-of-threats-against-vranje-news-outlet

### 2026-07-07: Serbia sees sharp rise in threats against journalists and media outlets

Serbia's media freedom worsens as journalists face increased attacks and threats, prompting NUNS to demand urgent state action against anonymous intimidation campaigns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-sees-sharp-rise-in-threats-against-journalists-and-media-outlets

### 2026-07-06: Serbian journalists Darija Ranković and Slavica Vujanac targeted on TV Informer, SafeJournalists demand action

SafeJournalists condemned sexist, baseless attacks on Serbian reporters Darija Ranković and Slavica Vujanac on TV Informer, urging the Ministry of Information to denounce the targeting.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-journalists-darija-rankovi-and-slavica-vujanac-targeted-on-tv-informer-safejournalists-deman

### 2026-07-01: Montenegro Parliament Committee Fails to Reach Quorum on ANB Report

Montenegro’s security committee missed a quorum, halting the ANB report discussion; officials blame the ruling majority’s avoidance of oversight, calling it a systemic fault.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-parliament-committee-fails-to-reach-quorum-on-anb-report

### 2026-07-01: Montenegro prosecutor's office urged to disclose investigation files in journalist Duško Jovanović murder

Montenegro’s Higher State Prosecutor was urged to hand over full files on the 2004 murder of journalist Duško Jovanović, with the commission saying limited access blocks oversight and the case remains unsolved.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-prosecutors-office-urged-to-disclose-investigation-files-in-journalist-duko-jovanovi-murd

### 2026-06-23: Serbia escalates crackdown on independent journalists, targeting Beta news agency

Serbian authorities intensify pressure on Beta news agency, summoning its editor over alleged threats to constitutional order, prompting domestic and international calls for media‑freedom protection.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-escalates-crackdown-on-independent-journalists-targeting-beta-news-agency

### 2026-06-19: Serbian media groups condemn new threats to TV N1 and journalist Veran Matić

Veran Matić and TV N1 faced fresh death threats; Serbian media groups NUNS and ANEM demand urgent police action, noting a pattern of unpunished attacks on journalists.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-media-groups-condemn-new-threats-to-tv-n1-and-journalist-veran-mati

### 2026-06-19: European Journalists Federation condemns Kosovo media regulator's heavy fines

The European Federation of Journalists condemned Kosovo’s media regulator KPM for levying over €60,000 in fines on broadcasters, urging the ruling Vetëvendosje party to stop attacks and calling for respect of ‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-journalists-federation-condemns-kosovo-media-regulators-heavy-fines

### 2026-06-18: Montenegro Ombudsman asked to investigate ANB employee monitoring claims

Montenegro’s Ombudsman and security committee were urged by Human Rights Action to probe ANB hiring and employee surveillance after investigative reports alleged illegal monitoring, unqualified appointments and

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-ombudsman-asked-to-investigate-anb-employee-monitoring-claims

### 2026-06-18: Montenegro's ANB chief Ivica Janović files criminal complaint against investigative journalists

Montenegro's ANB chief Ivica Janović sued investigative journalists Andrea Perišić and Đurđe Radulović over a staffing report, prompting media groups to call the move intimidation and demand dismissal.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegros-anb-chief-ivica-janovi-files-criminal-complaint-against-investigative-journalists

### 2026-06-18: Serbian authorities slammed over Senjaku murder handling and attack on journalist Veran Matić

Serbian opposition Serbia Center denounced the prosecution’s handling of the Senjaku murder case and condemned the assault on journalist Veran Matić, accusing security forces of bias and inaction.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-authorities-slammed-over-senjaku-murder-handling-and-attack-on-journalist-veran-mati

### 2026-06-17: European Federation of Journalists condemns attacks on Kosovo and Vojvodina reporters, pushes for World Press Photo rev­

EFJ condemned Serbian tabloid attacks on Kosovo and Vojvodina journalists and urged World Press Photo to revoke a 1993 award tied to a staged Bosnian‑war execution photo.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-federation-of-journalists-condemns-attacks-on-kosovo-and-vojvodina-reporters-pushes-for-wor

### 2026-06-17: Serbian journalist Danica Vučenić receives death threats, sparking regional press‑freedom concerns

Death threats against Serbian reporter Danica Vučenić and criminal complaints against journalists in Montenegro raise serious press‑freedom concerns in the Balkans.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-journalist-danica-vueni-receives-death-threats-sparking-regional-pressfreedom-concerns

### 2026-06-14: Serbian journalist Vladimir Mitrić receives new hammer‑death threat

Vladimir Mitrić, a Serbian journalist under police protection, received a Facebook death threat urging he be killed with a hammer; police have reported it and media groups call for stronger protection.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-journalist-vladimir-mitri-receives-new-hammerdeath-threat

### 2026-06-14: Serbian media outlets Vranje News and Bečejski Mozaik receive threatening messages

ANEM says Serbian portals Vranje News and Bečejski Mozaik got threatening emails targeting journalists and their families, urging authorities to act.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-media-outlets-vranje-news-and-beejski-mozaik-receive-threatening-messages

### 2026-06-14: Serbian journalists targeted with threats and identity fraud

Serbian journalists face violence and online scams: Kristina Demeter Filipčev received hate‑filled threats after a rally report, while BIRN’s Jelena Zoric was impersonated in a fake investment advertisement.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-journalists-targeted-with-threats-and-online-identity-fraud

### 2026-06-12: EU and Serbian media bodies denounce threats against journalists Jelena Jovanović and Danica Vučenić

EU and Serbian media groups condemned online threats to journalists Jelena Jovanović (Montenegro) and Danica Vučenić (Serbia), urging swift police action and stronger protection for press freedom.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-and-serbian-media-bodies-condemn-threats-against-journalists-in-montenegro-and-serbia

### 2026-06-09: Montenegro Ombudsman and Budva Mayor Condemn Threats Against Journalist Jelena Jovanović

Montenegro’s Ombudsman and Budva’s mayor condemned online threats against journalist Jelena Jovanović, urging state protection and swift action against perpetrators.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-ombudsman-and-budva-mayor-condemn-threats-against-journalist-jelena-jovanovi

### 2026-06-09: Serbian ministry and Montenegrin civic group condemn attacks on journalists

Serbian officials condemned a Frankfurt assault on journalist Zoran Vicelarević, while Montenegro’s URA denounced attacks on reporter Jelena Jovanović, urging authorities to protect media freedom.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-ministry-and-montenegrin-civic-group-condemn-attacks-on-journalists

### 2026-05-25: Montenegro journalist Kristina Perković receives death threat, media council demands police action

Montenegro’s media council demands police identify and prosecute the Instagram user who threatened journalist Kristina Perković, urging classification as a security crime and transparency on past journalist‑att

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-journalist-kristina-perkovi-receives-death-threat-media-council-demands-police-action

---
Cite as: Balkans journalist threats and repression. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-authorities-act-on-harassment-and-hatespeech-cases-involving-public-figures