Other threats to journalists, group of journalists, state border of the Republic of Serbia, 14.3.2025.

CJA •︎ 14/03/2025

Other threats to journalists, group of journalists, state border of the Republic of Serbia, 14.3.2025.

Translations: Zagreb 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Zagreb
  • Who was attacked?
    Group
  • Group members' names and surnames
    Journalists from various media outlets

  • Media outlet

  • Type of media platform
    Other
  • Source of information about the incident
    journalists

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    14.03.2025
  • City
    Batrovci, border crossing
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Known (suspected)
  • Attacked by
    Authorities - institutions
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    In person
  • Type of incident
    Other threats to journalists
  • Type of threat
    Unfounded judicial and administrative harassment including SLAPP cases

  • Action by the authorities

  • Type of violation
    Other

  • Action taken by the journalists' association

  • Was journalist's association informed by the journalists directly?
    Yes
  • What was the reaction of the journalists' association?
    The association reacted publicly
    The association sent a letter of concern to the institutions
    The association informed international organizations and institutions
    The association organized some other form of support

On March 14, several journalistic teams traveling from Croatia to Serbia were detained at the border and subsequently denied entry, despite having valid invitation letters. They were returned to Croatia with the explanation that they posed a security risk.

According to the Safe Journalists network, their entry was refused based on an alleged negative security risk assessment, citing Article 15, Paragraph 1, Point 8 of the Law on Foreigners, which refers to the protection of the security of the Republic of Serbia and its citizens. When making decisions about the rights and obligations of foreigners entering and staying in Serbia, the police consult with national security bodies to assess whether the entry or stay of a foreigner presents an unacceptable security risk. Safe Journalists believes that this decision was based on an assessment by the Security Information Agency (BIA).