2023 Report on the Activities of the Permanent Working Group for Safety of Journalists

The 2023 Annual Report on the Activities of Permanent Working Group for Safety of Journalists (PWG) was written by its members Nataša Jovanović (Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation) and Veran Matić (Association of Independent Electronic Media) as well as by Miroslav Janković from the OSCE Mission to Serbia. This year was marked by new developments in achieved results; slightly better statistics regarding the number of assaults and processed cases; greater number of implemented activities and projects, and increased visibility of PWG in the professional and general public. A particularly important step forward was made in the communication and co-operation of the PWG with journalists and representatives of the prosecution and the police at the local level. During 2023, PWG representatives visited Niš, Novi Sad, Čačak, Novi Pazar, Subotica and Pančevo and they met with over 100 local journalists, prosecutors and police officers and discussed current cases and the general security in the environment where media professionals work. According to the PWG’s Rulebook, the Group has to publish a report about implemented activities and achieved results once a year, and this Report represents fulfilment of this obligation for 2023.