Geneva, October 21, 2026.- Relentless pressure on journalists and interference with the management of independent media in Serbia raise grave concerns about editorial independence and press freedom in the country, ahead of a crucial parliamentary election, UN experts* said today.
“Independent journalism is essential to democratic elections. Voters must have access to diverse sources of information and journalists must be able to report freely, without editorial interference.” These developments have unfolded amid restrictions on civic space and wider concerns about fundamental rights and freedoms in Serbia. “Measures affecting an entire newsroom require particular scrutiny when introduced shortly before an election,” the experts said.
They were concerned by recent events at the Nova.rs news portal, where journalists were reportedly given less than 48 hours to decide whether to continue working under new editorial leadership or leave with severance.
Journalists at Nova.rs described the measure as “pressure” on the newsroom and an attempt to “discipline” their reporting before the elections.
The reported changes follow management changes affecting several media outlets, including at N1, Nova, Danas and Radar, in the context of Alpac Capital’s acquisition of the wider media group, while regulatory procedures were reportedly ongoing in Luxembourg.
Media freedom organisations have warned that the transaction puts media pluralism and editorial independence of these outlets at risk.
“Changes in media ownership must be transparent and subject to adequate regulatory oversight, with safeguards to protect editorial autonomy,” the experts said.
They also raised concerns over a public letter by the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications criticising certain media outlets and calling for N1 and Nova.rs to register in Serbia after the takeover.
“Interventions by public authorities may be perceived as exerting undue influence on media organisations or their editorial policies,” the experts warned.
For over a year, the experts have raised concerns about restrictions on judicial independence, fundamental freedoms and civic space in Serbia, echoed in April by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are essential to free and fair elections, and to public oversight and accountability for human rights and environmental harm related to business activities. Pressure and intimidation directed at journalists, civil society, human rights defenders, and critical voices risk undermining public debate and democratic participation,” they said.
“No media outlet should face political or other pressure because its reporting is critical of those in power,” the experts said. “Media pluralism requires a diverse and independent media landscape. Serbia must safeguard journalists’ freedom to report and the public’s access to diverse viewpoints.”
They urged the owners of media organisations to uphold editorial independence and establish safeguards separating business interests from editorial decisions.
“Authorities must protect human rights, media freedom and civic space, and ensure that journalists, civil society, student movements and human rights defenders can participate in public debate without intimidation or interference.”
“Free media and open civic space are cornerstones of democracy and credible elections, enabling voters to make informed choices and participate meaningfully in public life,” the experts said.