ODIHR Calls on Serbian Authorities to Refrain from Excessive and Indiscriminate Use of Force

ODIHR

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) cautioned on July 4 that it was deeply concerned about the violence and arrests at protests in Serbia, urging  the authorities in Belgrade to respect the right to peaceful assembly and to refrain from excessive use of force.

"We call on the Serbian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and to refrain from any excessive and indiscriminate use of force, and to ensure that all violations of the law are investigated," the Office said on X.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Serbia also issued a statement on July 4 expressing deep concern over the escalation of violence in the days following a massive protest rally in Belgrade on June 28, including police operations. The Mission underlined that the safety of demonstrators, bystanders, and journalists was essential for the rule of law and democracy.

The Constitution of Serbia, along with the international commitments Serbia has undertaken as an OSCE member, protects the freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention, and the safety of journalists, the OSCE Mission to Serbia stated in its post on X.

"The safety of demonstrators, bystanders, and journalists, including their freedom to report without interference, is not just a prerequisite but a necessity for the rule of law and democracy. Use of force by the police should be an exception, and always in line with the principles of necessity and proportionality, with full respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights," the Mission added.