Serbia: EFJ-IFJ condemn President Vučić’s support of smear campaign against NUNS as the country prepares to mark anniversary of deadly station collapse
On 29 October 2025, the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS) was falsely accused once again of ‘supporting’ the ongoing anti-corruption protests by the newly formed, pro-government Association of Journalists of Serbia (ANS) and tabloids. This dangerous accusation, publicly backed up by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, stemmed from NUNS fulfilling its core mission: providing safety equipment to journalists reporting on protests amid the increased threats and violence they have faced for almost a year.
The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) strongly condemn this deliberate attempt to discredit our members’ unwavering support for journalists, as well as President Vučić’s blatant disregard for journalists’ right to report freely and safely, which requires urgent and concrete action from the European Commission.
Almost a year since the anti-corruption protests started, in the aftermath of the fatal collapse of the Novi Sad canopy on 1 November, the situation of emergency for journalists, assessed by the MFRR delegation during its solidarity mission, has worsened.
Since 1 November, according to data documented by the EFJ on the Mapping Media Freedom platform, there have been 180 attacks affecting 329 journalists, media outlets, and representatives. Of these, 77 journalists were targeted during demonstrations, with 49 physically assaulted while reporting. The perpetrators are mostly private individuals and law enforcement.
By stating “no one will be inciting violence except for the journalists to whom media associations are distributing helmets,” President Vučić has crossed yet another red line irreconcilable with the rule of law.
Not only does President Vučić mock the dangerous conditions that journalists have faced for almost a year, but he also puts them and their representatives at the highest risk.
In June, we denounced a similar coordinated attack by ANS against our members.
The EFJ-IFJ stand in full solidarity with our colleagues in Serbia and our affiliates, and urges all journalists covering upcoming protests, including the main protest on 1 November in Novi Sad, to take all necessary protective measures and immediately report any threats or incidents to our EFJ member organisations. We reiterate our call to law enforcement officers not to exceed the use of force or arrest journalists covering the protests. By reporting on events of public interest, journalists fulfill their fundamental duty to keep citizens informed.
Defending the safety of journalists is defending democracy.
