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Journalists given 48 hours to accept new editor or quit

The Nova.rs news portal is at the center of a media freedom debate following the appointment of Marko Stjepanović as its new editor-in-chief. Journalists at the outlet have reportedly been given a 48-hour ultimatum to either accept the new leadership or resign, a move that the European Federation of Journalists has condemned as a "brutal takeover" and an attempt to suppress the editorial team. Deputy editor-in-chief Ratko Femić characterized the situation as open pressure on the editorial staff ahead of elections, with other media outlets like N1 and Forbes Serbia expressing solidarity with their Nova.rs colleagues.

In Belgrade, the City Assembly is set to vote today on the dismissal of Mayor Aleksandar Šapić, a member and vice-president of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). This follows allegations of a pistol incident and an alleged assault on an opposition city councilor, Tatjana Mičić, which Šapić denies. The opposition's push for his removal has gained momentum, highlighting ongoing political tensions in the capital.

Meanwhile, authorities have conducted mass arrests of individuals linked to a criminal clan in connection with a murder in Belgrade, with searches extending across Serbia. Concerns about election integrity persist, with Ognjen Rašuo claiming a significant increase in valid ID card numbers, prompting calls for clarification from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

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Nova.rs Editorial Staff Faces Ultimatum After New Editor Appointment

The Nova.rs news portal is experiencing a major internal conflict after Marko Stjepanović was appointed as the new editor-in-chief. Journalists have reportedly been given less than 48 hours to accept the new management or resign, a move strongly criticized by the European Federation of Journalists as a "brutal takeover" and an attempt to break the editorial team. Other media outlets, including N1 and Forbes Serbia, have voiced their support for the Nova.rs journalists.

Belgrade Mayor's Dismissal Vote Scheduled Amid Allegations

The Belgrade City Assembly has scheduled a vote today on the dismissal of Mayor Aleksandar Šapić. This development follows recent allegations, including a "pistol incident" and an alleged hammer attack on party supporters, as well as an alleged assault on an opposition city councilor which Šapić denies.

Mass Arrests in Belgrade Targeting Criminal Clan for Murder

A large-scale police operation, including the Security Information Agency (BIA), has led to the arrest of seven individuals suspected of belonging to an organized criminal group. These arrests are linked to a murder in Belgrade, with raids conducted across Serbia, and suspicions extending to kidnapping and drug trafficking.

Election Integrity and Political Landscape Concerns

Concerns surrounding election integrity and political dynamics continue to surface, with Ognjen Rašuo claiming a significant increase in valid ID cards over four months, prompting calls for an explanation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Bogoljub Karić has warned of potential civil unrest if election results are disputed, while an SNS activist confessed to the use of a 'sound cannon' at a protest. European Parliament member Brandsteter stated that elections will be closely monitored…

Economist Raises Concerns Over Rising Inflation in Serbia

An economist has highlighted concerns about inflation in Serbia, noting a 4.1% increase in prices over the past year, with a monthly rise of nearly 2.2%. The discussion questions whether this trend should be a concern or if the situation is expected to stabilize by the end of the year, particularly when compared to salary growth.

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