In Serbia, protests led by students calling for early parliamentary elections have continued for the sixth consecutive day, resulting in a heavy police response and widespread allegations of violent crackdowns on mostly peaceful demonstrators. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Civil Rights Defenders, have voiced alarm over reports of Serbian riot police targeting protesters indiscriminately. Footage revealed police engaging with demonstrators at various blockades in Belgrade and across other cities, prompting accusations of excessive and unlawful use of force.
The statements from these organizations urged the authorities to conduct thorough investigations into claims of masked individuals in civilian clothes allegedly targeting protesters, asserting that any state response to maintain public order must prioritize necessity and proportionality. The joint statement emphasized that a heavy-handed approach toward peaceful demonstrations cannot be justified and called for the protection of citizens’ rights to express dissent without fear of harassment or violence.
Significantly, the protests have gained momentum amid calls from students, and even high schoolers, for early elections, culminating in numerous road blockades throughout the country. Authorities have made several hundred arrests since the protests began, with many participants released while witnesses report police brutality, leading to injuries and hospitalizations among some students.
In light of these events, the obligation for EU leaders to publicly denounce human rights violations in Serbia is underscored, along with the importance of safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly and free expression, critical elements of the EU accession process for Serbia.
The backdrop to this surge in protests includes civil discontent rooted in previous incidents, particularly the tragic collapse of a railway station in Novi Sad in November 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 16 people and raised significant concerns over negligence and corruption in government infrastructure projects.
As Serbia navigates this challenging moment, the hope remains that a return to peaceful dialogue can pave the way for meaningful political change while ensuring that the fundamental rights of its citizens are protected.