BelgradeOn Friday, Europe’s human rights body voiced alarm over the use of disproportionate force and arbitrary detentions by Serbian authorities to disperse protesters.
Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights, and it is Serbia’s responsibility to uphold them, according to a statement from Michael O. Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights.
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“Despite the assurances I received from the authorities during my visit, I am concerned about the current human rights situation in Serbia, where excessive use of force is being applied to curb demonstrations,” O Flaherty stated.
Civil Rights Defenders and Amnesty International called for caution and an inquiry into any use of illegal force.
In a joint statement on Friday, the rights groups expressed worry over footage showing Serbian riot police randomly attacking peaceful demonstrators gathering at street blockades and in front of Belgrade’s colleges. It is inexcusable to respond to nonviolent protest with force.
Since a large-scale demonstration this weekend, riot police have been obstructing traffic nationwide in support of an early parliamentary election, which includes university students, their professors, and others.
Since the march last weekend, tensions between groups of demonstrators and riot police have increased by tens of thousands of people in Belgrade. Previously, protests that lasted months had been mostly peaceful.
In Belgrade, police also broke up traffic jams on Friday, temporarily holding some demonstrators. On Friday night, defiant protestors came back to clog the streets.
Protesting university students claim that numerous nonviolent protesters have been hurt by police in recent days. Witnesses told local media that four students, including one with a broken collarbone, were taken to the hospital early Thursday after riot police beat up demonstrators with shields and batons.
While cautioning that it is unlawful to obstruct traffic, police have denied using disproportionate force. Ongoing demonstrations have been characterized by Vucic as acts of terror and an effort to overthrow the government.
According to O Flaherty’s statement, the past week has seen a surge in the use of force by the police as well as arbitrary arrests and detentions.
According to a statement from O Flaherty, “I am especially concerned about the number of students being arrested for criminal offenses or admitted to the hospital for the treatment of injuries, as well as the arrest of children.”
He went on to say that it is imperative to avoid misrepresenting this mainly nonviolent student-led movement.
The U.N. Human Rights Office and the European Union delegation in Serbia also expressed caution and said they were closely monitoring the situation on Thursday.
Prolonged demonstrations began when a refurbished train station canopy collapsed in northern Serbia, killing sixteen people. In Serbia, a lot of people attribute the disaster to purported state infrastructure initiatives.
He has denied that he has suppressed democratic liberties and allowed organized crime and corruption to thrive since taking office more than ten years ago.
Though Vucic’s administration has fostered ties with, Serbia is formally pursuing admittance.
