The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) expresses solidarity with Istinomer, our fact-checking partner in Serbia, following an act of intimidation against a member of its editorial team.

A journalist from Istinomer’s newsroom recently received a series of disturbing messages sent from an anonymous number to her private phone. EDMO condemns this attack in the strongest terms.

This incident does not stand alone. It comes amid a marked escalation of threats and violent rhetoric directed at independent journalists and civil society actors in Serbia, just as the campaign for the parliamentary elections of October 25 begins.

Istinomer, together with its founding organization CRTA and the small number of remaining independent media outlets in Serbia, has repeatedly been the target of pressure. For nearly 17 years, Istinomer has verified facts and exposed disinformation and propaganda in political discourse, on social media, and across the wider media landscape, work that inevitably makes fact-checkers a target for those who profit from confusion and impunity.

EDMO reaffirms full support for Istinomer and its staff, and underscores the essential role independent fact-checking plays in safeguarding democratic accountability, particularly during an election period. We urge the international community, press freedom organizations, and relevant EU institutions to closely monitor the situation in Serbia and to stand ready to act in defense of press freedom.

EDMO will continue to follow developments and remains in close contact with Istinomer as the electoral campaign unfolds.