“I am concerned about the current human rights situation in Serbia, where, despite the assurances I received from the authorities during my visit in April, excessive use of force is being applied to curb demonstrations,” says the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty.
The past days have seen increasing civic unrest, with blockades organised by protesters across Serbia, following a largely peaceful demonstration on Saturday 28 June in Belgrade. “Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are key human rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and it is Serbia’s duty to guarantee them. Peaceful demonstrations are legitimate tools for civil society to show discontent, including with the political situation, and should be protected,” said the Commissioner.
Increased levels of the use of force by the police as well as arbitrary arrests and detention have occurred during the week. “I am particularly concerned about the arrest of children, as well as the number of students being charged for criminal offences or hospitalised for the treatment of injuries,” he said. The Commissioner considers that the use of batons, tear gas, stun grenades and, in general, the use of force by police against protesters in order to remove blockades, may fail to meet the requirements of necessity and proportionality as enshrined in international human rights law.
During his recent visit, the Commissioner had already raised concerns over the stigmatisation of demonstrators, which continues in the current context, with the labelling of students as terrorists and hooligans and accusations that they are attempting a “colour revolution”. “Such a mischaracterisation of this largely peaceful student-led movement should be avoided at all costs” the Commissioner said.
The Commissioner finds it unacceptable that the four individuals who were on trial for causing serious bodily injuries to two students last January have now been granted a pardon. “I call on the authorities to investigate all acts of violence, including those perpetrated by law enforcement, and ensure that there is no impunity for such acts. Maintenance of public order should be ensured always within a framework for democratic policing, where the protection of human rights lies at its heart.”