Opposition Parties in Serbia Demand Sanctions Over Police Violence

Strategic Insights -

In a bid to address the ongoing political crisis, representatives from five opposition parties in Serbia called for sanctions to be imposed on President Aleksandar Vucic and high-ranking officials over the use of police force during anti-government protests. Led by Biljana Dordevic, co-chair of the Green-Left Front, the opposition parties demanded a clear condemnation of police violence against protesters, who have been calling for accountability over the deaths of 16 people caused by the collapse of a railway station canopy last year. The protests, now in their tenth month, have seen police accused of brutality in dispersing demonstrations, a claim denied by the authorities. President Vucic has refused to call early parliamentary elections, despite demands from students who blocked over 60 university faculties across the country in May.

Key Takeaways:

  • The opposition parties are demanding sanctions against President Vucic, Prime Minister Duro Macut, Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic, and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic due to police violence against protesters.
  • The anti-government protests have been ongoing for ten months, with the latest demonstrations sparked by the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy that resulted in 16 deaths.
  • President Vucic has declined to call early parliamentary elections, despite demands from students who blocked university faculties in May.
  • Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric has responded to the call for sanctions, stating that they "harm Serbia" and are part of a "propaganda campaign" against the country.
  • The European Parliament is discussing the wave of violence and continued use of force against protesters in Serbia during a plenary session in Strasbourg today.
  • The debate was added to the agenda at the initiative of the Socialists and Democrats political group.

Statistics:

  • 16 people have died due to the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy last year.
  • Sixty university faculties across the country were blocked by students in May who were demanding early parliamentary elections.
  • The anti-government protests have been ongoing for ten months.
  • Police have been accused of brutality in dispersing demonstrations, a claim denied by the authorities.

Sources:

  • Radio Free Europe