The unlawful blockade of Serbia’s national broadcaster RTS represents a serious threat to media freedom, journalist safety, and the principles of the rule of law, stated Serbian ministers Ivica Dacic, Marko Djuric, and Nenad Vujic in a meeting with representatives of the Quint countries and the EU delegation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, and Justice Minister Nenad Vujic met with foreign diplomats to brief them on the severity of the situation surrounding the illegal obstruction of RTS, highlighting the broader consequences for democratic institutions and press freedom in the country, according to a statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The ministers emphasized that this blockade is not only a violation of national laws but also breaches international conventions protecting freedom of expression and access to information—specifically referencing the European Convention on Human Rights and Council of Europe standards, to which Serbia is a signatory.

“It is unacceptable that a group of individuals, under the guise of political dissent, place themselves above the law, infringe on the rights of others, and prevent the normal functioning of a public service broadcaster that belongs to all citizens,” the statement said.

They reaffirmed that the Serbian government remains firmly committed to defending democratic standards, maintaining public order, and protecting the rights of journalists to work freely and without intimidation.

“We expect the international community to take a clear stance in defense of these values. Peaceful assembly is a democratic right—but obstructing employees from entering their workplace or stopping the broadcaster from airing its program constitutes a criminal offense. Serbia must not become a hostage to lawlessness. The public broadcaster must be allowed to operate, and institutions must function—legally and in the public interest,” the ministry concluded.