Experts from of the United Nations warn of constant pressure on journalists in Serbia and draw attention to interference in management independent media which caused great concern for editorial independence and media freedom ahead of the key ones parliamentary elections.
"Independent journalism is essential for democratic elections. Voters must have access to various sources of information, and journalists must be able to report freely, without interference in editorial politics," the statement said.
Concerns about Nova.rs
They also expressed concern about the recent events at the Nova.rs portal, where journalists were given less than 48 hours to decide whether they would continue to work under the new editorial leadership or leave with severance pay.
Organizations dealing with media freedom have warned that this transaction threatens media pluralism and the editorial independence of the media currently operating within Alpak capital.
"Changes in media ownership must be transparent and subject to appropriate regulatory oversight, with protective mechanisms that ensure editorial autonomy," the UN experts said in a statement.
Concerns about the letter from the Ministry of Information
They also expressed concern about the public letter of the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications, in which certain media were criticized.
"Interventions by state authorities can be perceived as exerting undue influence on media organizations or their editorial policy," experts warned.
For more than a year now, they have been pointing to worrying restrictions on the independence of the judiciary, basic freedoms and civil space in Serbia, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights also pointed to these concerns in April.
"Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association are essential for free and fair elections, as well as for public oversight and accountability regarding human rights violations and environmental damage associated with business activities. Pressure and intimidation of journalists, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and critical voices risk undermining public debate and democratic participation," the experts conclude.
Experts from the United Nations call on media owners to respect editorial independence and establish mechanisms that separate business interests from editorial decisions.
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