Something alarming is happening in Serbia that should worry anyone who values media freedom – journalists are under attack! The Ministry of Information and Telecommunications has finally spoken out about frequent incidents that threaten the safety and right to work of media workers. Yes, you read that right – journalists are facing insults, intimidation, and even physical obstruction in doing their jobs. All this is happening while roads, access routes, and public institutions are being blocked, and attacks on journalists have become a daily reality in some Serbian cities.
The Ministry made it clear that this is not just a blatant violation of the law but a direct assault on media freedom in the country. Any form of threat to journalists, whether physical or verbal, will be considered a serious attack on freedom of speech and will require an urgent response from the authorities. But will that response actually come, or will it remain empty promises?
Moreover, the Ministry has called on media houses and actors in the media scene to adhere to legal obligations and professional ethical standards to avoid spreading fake news and disinformation. Because, as they point out, fake news can further endanger the public interest of Serbian citizens.
This situation is alarming because it undermines fundamental rights guaranteed by the law on public information, including the public’s right to be truthfully, timely, credibly, and fully informed. And what happens when journalists cannot freely and safely do their jobs? The answer is clear – we lose the right to truth and transparency.
So, while Serbia struggles with blockades and attacks on journalists, the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications stands as a defender of media freedom and calls for urgent action. But will it be enough? Or will we soon watch media freedom in Serbia turn into a mere illusion?
If you have thoughts on who’s to blame for this mess or how to fix it, feel free to drop a comment. Maybe your words will spark a wave of change or at least a good meme about it all!
