UN experts voice concern over media freedom in Serbia, specifically citing developments at Nova and N1

“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,” United Nations (UN) experts said on Wednesday. “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,” the experts said. They added that these developments have unfolded amid restrictions on civic space and wider concerns about fundamental rights and freedoms in Serbia.