Employees at N1 Serbia have expressed serious concern over editorial independence following the removal of a senior editor, raising fresh fears about the state of media freedom in the country.

Staff members issued a joint statement saying the editor's dismissal was carried out without adequate explanation and appeared to be connected to the outlet's critical coverage of the government. N1 is widely regarded as one of the few remaining independent news sources in Serbia.

"We are deeply concerned that this decision signals a shift in editorial direction under external pressure," the statement read. "Independent journalism in Serbia is already under enormous strain, and we cannot allow further erosion."

The station's management denied any political interference, stating the personnel change was a routine editorial decision and that N1's commitment to independent journalism remains unchanged.

International press freedom organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, said they are monitoring the situation and called on N1's ownership to ensure that editorial decisions are made free from political or commercial pressure.