Police Brutality in Serbia: ODIHR Sounds the Alarm!
Has Serbia become a country where the police can arrest and beat anyone they want, whenever they want? ODIHR, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, is deeply concerned about the violence and arrests during protests in Belgrade. They clearly state: authorities must respect the right to peaceful assembly and refrain from excessive and indiscriminate use of force.
What’s happening on the streets of Belgrade?
Protests that started on June 28 escalated into violence. The police responded brutally, with arrests piling up. ODIHR emphasizes that the safety of demonstrators, passersby, and journalists is essential for the rule of law and democracy. Serbia’s constitution and its international obligations as an OSCE member protect freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, as well as the safety of all citizens.
Police or a rogue gang?
Use of force by police should be an exception, not the rule. It must comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality. But what’s happening in practice? Reports speak of indiscriminate and excessive violence, unacceptable in any democratic country.
What does the diaspora say?
Representatives of the Serbian diaspora have written to the United Nations about police brutality in Serbia. Their appeal is clear: the safety of demonstrators, passersby, and journalists, including freedom of reporting, is not just a prerequisite but a necessary foundation for the rule of law and democracy.
Why does this matter?
Because if police can arrest and beat without consequences, where is the line? Who protects the citizens? ODIHR calls on authorities to investigate all violations of the law and refrain from violence. This is not just a Serbian issue but a matter of international human rights standards.
Conclusion
Serbia stands at a crossroads. Will it respect the rights of its citizens or allow police brutality to become the norm? ODIHR has sent a clear message. Now it’s up to us to listen.
So, what do you think? Has the police in Serbia crossed the line, or is this all just a “necessary measure”? Drop a comment and let the people’s voice be heard!
Source: ODIHR, OSCE, Danas.rs
