Published on: 2026-10-22
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 22, 2026 Human Rights
Independent UN experts have expressed serious concern about the increasing pressure on journalists and government interference in the work of independent media in Serbia ahead of the parliamentary elections.
“Independent journalism plays a crucial role in conducting democratic elections. Voters must have access to a variety of information sources, and journalists need the ability to work freely, without editorial interference,” the experts stated.
According to them, the events are unfolding against the backdrop of a shrinking civic space and concerns about the observance of fundamental rights and freedoms in the country.
Experts have expressed concern about recent events at the editorial office of the news portal Nova.rs, where journalists were reportedly given less than 48 hours to decide whether they were willing to continue working under the new editorial management or prefer to leave with severance pay. The Nova.rs staff themselves described these actions as pressure on the editorial team and an attempt to “tame” journalists ahead of the elections.
It is reported that the changes in the editorial staff followed personnel reshuffles in several media outlets, including N1, Nova, Danas, and Radar, after the media group was acquired by Alpac Capital. Human rights defenders warned that this deal could jeopardize media pluralism and the editorial independence of the publications.
They also expressed concern about the open letter from the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications of Serbia, which criticized certain media outlets and contained a call for N1 and Nova.rs to register in Serbia after the change of ownership.
“Such actions by government bodies can be perceived as an attempt to exert undue influence on media structures or their editorial policy,” experts warned.
Human rights defenders have been pointing out the restrictions on the independence of the judicial system, fundamental freedoms, and civil space in Serbia for over a year. In April, similar concerns were also expressed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“Freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association are of utmost importance for conducting free and fair elections,” the experts stated. “No media outlet should be subjected to political or any other pressure because its materials critically assess the actions of those in power… Serbia must ensure journalists’ freedom to cover events, and citizens’ access to diverse viewpoints.”
Experts have called on media company owners to respect the independence of editorial offices and to implement mechanisms that separate commercial interests from editorial decisions: “Authorities must protect human rights, media freedom, and the civic space, as well as guarantee the participation of journalists, civil society organizations, student movements, and human rights defenders in public discussions without intimidation or interference.”
“Free media and an open civic space are the cornerstones of democracy and the conduct of trustworthy elections. They are exactly what allow citizens to make informed choices and fully participate in public life,” the experts concluded.
The statement was made by Leopoldo Maldonado Gutiérrez, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and a number of other experts.
Independent experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff members and do not receive a salary for their work. The experts act in a personal capacity and independently of governments and any organizations.
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