Three Freedoms Under the Magnifying Glass: June 27 – July 10, 2025
Three Freedoms Under the Magnifying Glass: June 27 – July 10, 2025

Author(s): Author Not Specified
Subject(s): Politics, Civil Society, Governance, Corruption - Transparency - Anti-Corruption
Published by: Građanske inicijative
Keywords: Media repression; Police brutality; Freedom of expression; Student protests; Political persecution
Summary/Abstract: A journalist from the FoNet news agency was subjected to verbal assault and intimidation while doing her job on the plateau in front of the National Assembly of Serbia in Belgrade. The incident occurred as she was filming scenes of strong wind lifting the tents that had been set up on the road in front of the parliament building, where supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party have been camped since mid-March. According to her account, while recording the event on public grounds, she was approached by a man known to reside in Pionirski Park, who grabbed her by the shoulder and demanded she delete the footage. "Delete the footage so I can see it — you'd better," the man said in a threatening tone. Another man then joined him, asking which media outlet she worked for, further escalating the situation and insulting the journalist. This incident is yet another in a series of attacks and pressures against journalists who report professionally from public gatherings, protests, and other events of public interest. Attacks on journalists — whether physical, verbal, or through intimidation — constitute a serious threat to media freedom and the public’s right to information.Between June 27 and July 10, 2025, Serbia saw a wave of violations of human rights, particularly targeting journalists, students, and activists engaged in protests against the government. Incidents included police brutality, arbitrary arrests, verbal and physical attacks on media workers, and state pressure against individuals supporting civil disobedience—undermining freedoms of expression, assembly, and association. These developments reflect an alarming escalation in repression and authoritarian tendencies, prompting strong public backlash and international concern.

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