Serbia registered a slight decline in internet freedom during the coverage period

[1van]

Serbia registered a slight decline in internet freedom during the coverage period. The country features high levels of internet access, limited website blocking, and strong constitutional protections for journalists. However, progovernment news sites, some of which are connected to the ruling party, engage in disinformation campaigns. The government has reportedly employed trolls on social media to advance its narrative and denigrate critics. The surveillance infrastructure poses concerns as well, with research showing that government agencies have used spyware surveillance tools, including Predator. Journalists continue to face strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) concerning “insults” or “slander” against public officials, though detentions and prison sentences in these cases are rare.

Serbia is a parliamentary democracy with competitive multiparty elections. In recent years the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has steadily eroded political rights and civil liberties, putting pressure on independent media, the political opposition, and civil society organizations.

Detalji: https://freedomhouse.org/country/serbia/...m-net/2023