The Ambassador of the European Union to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, has underlined the importance of respecting fundamental rights, including freedom of peaceful gathering, and called for the avoidance of any form of violence against political opponents or party headquarters. The EU condemned acts of hatred and violence, calling on all parties to reduce tensions and engage in dialogue.
“The parties to support respect for fundamental rights, including the right to peaceful gathering. This also implies avoiding any violence against political opponents and parties’ premises as a means of political protests. Dialogue between stakeholders across the political spectrum is the only way forward, as well as the content of stimulating rhetoric and disinformation on protests,” EU ambassador to Serbia.
The EU ambassador stressed that stimulating rhetoric and misinformation on constant protests only exacerbated the situation. He demanded that police actions be proportional and in accordance with respect for fundamental rights, underlining that any doubt about excessive use of force must be investigated, especially the reports of threats and violence against journalists.
Earlier, the OSCE/ODIHR also reacted to the protests, reminding Serbia for its obligation to engage in human rights, which expressed concern about violence and arrests.
Recall that a wave of protests began in Serbia on November 1, 2024, after the death of 16 people as a result of the collapse of a concrete tent at the Novi Sadi railway station.
What began as a demand for transparency and investigation has already become a widespread movement against the Vucic regime, with calls for resignation and early elections.
The wave of protests has escalated to clashes between protesters and law enforcement, as well as the use of strong means against Alexander Vucic’s party offices.
