Serbia: Amnesty and Civil Rights Defenders Urge Authorities to Stop Unlawful Use of Force Against Protesters
Amnesty International and Civil Rights Defenders have issued a joint statement stating that "footage of Serbian riot police randomly attacking peaceful protesters gathered at street blockades and in front of universities in Belgrade is alarming."
"A large number of arrests have been recorded, along with numerous reports of excessive or otherwise unlawful use of force against students – both during the protests and during arrests and police detention. The authorities must urgently investigate and clarify reports of masked individuals in civilian clothing attacking protesters," the statement said.
It adds that "although the state has the responsibility to maintain public order and respond to individual incidents of violence, the use of force must be a last resort and always strictly necessary and proportionate to achieving a legitimate goal."
"Harsh suppression of peaceful dissent cannot be justified," it emphasizes.
"Serbian authorities must act with restraint and ensure that citizens can safely participate in protests and freely express their dissatisfaction without fear of intimidation, harassment, or violence. Failure to act accordingly may further increase tensions. Cases of unlawful use of force by the police must be urgently and independently investigated, and police officers suspected of illegal conduct must be held accountable," it said.
It also adds that "EU leaders must clearly and unequivocally condemn any human rights violations against protesters and emphasize that ensuring the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression is essential in Serbia’s EU accession process."
