BELGRADE — Dozens of journalists blocked traffic on Wednesday outside the office of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade to protest alleged mounting attacks and pressure on the media. The demonstration followed violent incidents in at least three of the ten towns where local elections were held on Sunday, during which journalists reporting on the elections faced attacks.

Approximately 20 journalists were attacked on Sunday during the local elections. "Attacks on journalists are not isolated incidents, they are a systematic blow to the public's right to know," the Independent Journalists' Association said during the protest.

More than 100 attacks on journalists have been recorded in Serbia so far in 2026. Authorities promised to investigate the attacks on journalists, though few of the alleged assailants have been held responsible.

The Serbian Progressive Party won electoral contests in all ten municipalities in Sunday's local elections. The elections marked the latest in a series of votes in Serbia, which is formally a candidate nation for European Union membership. President Vucic has maintained ties with Russia and China.