Promoting transparency and accountability in Serbia’s justice system
Media and courts can serve the public best when they work together, as a recent study has shown. While that is the ideal, in practice, all too often these two fields do not co-operate as often as they could, and as a result, often lack insight about each other. This only deepens the gap in communication and creates more distance between them. The result is an insufficiently informed public with decreasing trust in the judiciary.
The OSCE Mission to Serbia works to address this exact issue as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability within Serbia’s justice institutions. In close co-operation with national authorities—including the Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils, the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office—the Mission provides support, in line with Serbia’s Judicial Development Strategy and constitutional commitments, and contributes to enhancing the independence, autonomy, and accountability of the judiciary and the prosecution service.
Fostering Dialogue Between Courts and the Media
The OSCE Kyiv Recommendations which provide guidelines on judicial independence, underline that a transparent and accountable judiciary is essential for public trust and a stronger democratic system. In response to growing public interest in judicial processes, the Mission has initiated a range of activities to strengthen the relationship between the judiciary, journalists and citizens.
Clear and open communication between the judiciary and the media is vital for fair and accurate reporting on court proceedings. That is why, in 2024, the Mission brought together around 80 judges, journalists and civil society organizations for a series of roundtable discussions held in Novi Sad and Belgrade. These events provided opportunities for honest conversations about how courts and the media can better understand each other and the work that they each do. Participants touched upon various topics, from how the judiciary can help protect media freedom to where ethical lines should be drawn when reporting on trials. This is especially important in criminal cases, where there is a need to preserve the presumption of innocence and protect minors. One recurring theme was the need to bridge the knowledge gap between the judiciary and the media: many journalists are not trained in legal reporting, while courts often struggle to communicate in ways the public can easily understand.
Recognizing that quality reporting depends on well-informed journalists, the Mission supported the participation of 24 journalists in the Independent Association of Journalists’ “School of Journalism”, held in April 2024 and April 2025. These training sessions enhanced their understanding of legal frameworks, terminology, and court procedures, fostering closer co-operation between journalists and judiciary professionals.
“This training session, organized by the OSCE Mission to Serbia, helps establish constructive co-operation between the judiciary and the media. This can then increase public trust in the independent judiciary and respect the right of citizens to receive complete, accurate and timely information through the media about procedures in which there is a justified public interest,” said an Appellate Court Judge who participated as a trainer.
“With the participation of representatives from the judiciary in a panel dealing with judiciary-media relations, media professionals will become more familiar with the basic concepts of civil and criminal proceedings, in order to accurately inform the public, because the shared goal is the rule of law”.
Guide for Journalists and Citizens on Judicial Proceedings
In addition to fostering dialogue, the OSCE Mission to Serbia has taken a holistic approach to support the relationship between the media and the judiciary. One key initiative is the development of the Guide for Journalists and Citizens on Judicial Proceedings, designed to make the justice system more understandable and accessible to the general public. The Guide is written in clear, user-friendly language as a practical resource for both professionals and non-experts seeking reliable information. It is organized in four parts: how to contact a court, an overview on criminal procedures, an overview on civil procedures, and guidance for responsible and accurate reporting . The Guide is available on the websites of the OSCE Mission and the Supreme Court of Serbia.
Beyond media relations, the OSCE Mission is also actively assisting Serbia’s judicial institutions not only in courtrooms, but behind the scenes, where communication experts and legal professionals are working to bridge the gap between the judiciary and the public.
“Transparency isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s about building trust," said the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Carolina Hidea.
As the High Prosecutorial Council (HPC) prepares to roll out a new communication strategy for 2026 - 2030, we will have a practical tool for making this work more accessible, building on the progress we have made so far.
The initiative, guided by the Judiciary Development Strategy (2020–2025), is part of a systemic attempt to make Serbia’s justice system more accessible and accountable. The OSCE Mission has been a constant partner in this journey, having helped lay the foundations of the HPC’s existing communication plan. At the request of the HPC President, the Mission is once again extending its expertise, working closely with the Council from May to October 2025.
A parallel effort is unfolding within the High Judicial Council (HJC), which is updating its own communication strategy for 2025–2028 and will be creating an additional communications strategy for courts. A dedicated four-member team, supported by the OSCE Mission, is working on a new plan designed to enhance public engagement and improve how the judiciary relates to media and citizens.
“When courts speak clearly, people listen, understand, and are more inclined to trust the process,” Hidea pointed out.
The final strategy will be shared publicly, reinforcing the judiciary’s message: justice not only needs to be done, it must also be seen to be done.
Looking Forward: Building Trust Through Transparency
The OSCE Mission to Serbia remains committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and trust in the justice system. The OSCE Mission to Serbia’s multifaceted efforts exemplify how strategic dialogue, education, and resource development can bridge gaps between the judiciary and the media.
“By empowering journalists, supporting judicial institutions, and fostering open communication, these initiatives are paving the way for a more transparent justice system and a better-informed public—cornerstones of a healthy democracy,” Hidea concluded.