United Nations experts said on Wednesday (October 21) that they were concerned about ongoing pressure on journalists and interference in the management of independent media in Serbia
United Nations experts are warning about constant pressure on journalists in Serbia and drawing attention to interference in the management of independent media, raising serious concerns about editorial independence and media freedom ahead of key parliamentary elections.
“Independent journalism is essential for democratic elections. Voters must have access to different sources of information, and journalists must be able to report freely, without interference in editorial policy,” the statement said.
Concerns over Nova.rs
They also expressed concern over recent developments at the Nova.rs news portal, where journalists were given less than 48 hours to decide whether to continue working under new editorial management or leave with severance pay.
Media freedom organizations have warned that this transaction threatens media pluralism and the editorial independence of media outlets currently operating under Alpac Capital.
“Changes in media ownership must be transparent and subject to appropriate regulatory oversight, with safeguards in place to ensure editorial autonomy,” the UN experts said in a statement.
Concerns over the letter from the Ministry of Information
They also expressed concern over a public letter from the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications criticizing certain media outlets.
“Interventions by state authorities may be perceived as exerting undue influence on media organizations or their editorial policies,” the experts warned.
For more than a year, they have been highlighting worrying restrictions on judicial independence, fundamental freedoms, and civic space in Serbia. These concerns were also raised in April by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association are essential for free and fair elections, as well as for public scrutiny and accountability regarding human rights violations and environmental harm linked to business activities. Pressure and intimidation targeting journalists, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and critical voices risk undermining public debate and democratic participation,” the experts concluded.
United Nations experts are calling on media owners to respect editorial independence and establish mechanisms that separate business interests from editorial decisions.
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Source: Vreme.com, Foto: ATAImages
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