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Human rights

Human Rights Concerns Rise in Serbia Amid Protests Against President Vucic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

European human rights watchdogs have expressed concern over the Serbian government's handling of protests against President Aleksandar Vucic, citing excessive use of force and arbitrary detentions. The Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights, Michael O'Flaherty, has stated that the country's duty is to guarantee freedom of assembly and expression, enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights. Amnesty International and Civil Rights Defenders have urged restraint and investigation into the use of unlawful force, highlighting footage of riot police targeting peaceful protesters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights, Michael O'Flaherty, has expressed concern over the excessive use of force and arbitrary detentions in Serbia, violating the country's duty to guarantee freedom of assembly and expression.
  • Amnesty International and Civil Rights Defenders have urged restraint and an investigation into the use of unlawful force, citing footage of riot police targeting peaceful protesters.
  • Riot police have detained scores of demonstrators, including university students and professors, for blocking traffic and demanding an early parliamentary election.
  • Tensions have soared since the major rally last weekend, with police intervening to clear traffic blockades and detaining protesters.
  • Critics say President Vucic has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power, stifling democratic freedoms while allowing corruption and organized crime to flourish.
  • Serbia is formally seeking entry to the EU, but the government has nurtured relations with Russia and China.

Statistics:

  • Scores of demonstrators have been detained since the major rally last weekend, including university students and professors.
  • Four students were hospitalized early Thursday, including one with a broken clavicle, after being beaten by riot police.
  • The European Union mission in Serbia and the U.N. Human Rights Office have said they are watching the situation closely and urging restraint.

Sources:

  • [Council of Europe](https://www.coe.int/en/ commissioner-for-human-rights)
  • [Amnesty International](https://www.amnesty.org/)
  • [Civil Rights Defenders](https://www.civilrightsdefenders.org/)
  • [The Associated Press](https://www.apnews.com/)
  • [European Union Mission in Serbia](https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/serbia_en)

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