Serbian Student Protesters Nominated for European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize

Students ZEMUN Photo: Nikola Sablic

The participants in the Serbian student protests have been nominated for the Sakharov Prize, the highest award given by the European Union to fighters for the freedom of thought and human rights.

European Parliament member Irena Joveva announced the nomination in an Aug. 18 post on the X social media platform, which reads that she and fellow MEP Helmut Brandstaetter have put forward Serbian student protesters for the Sakharov Prize.

"We strongly condemn the brutal violence against protestors and urge [the European Commission] and Member States to act for the rule of law, media freedom, and peaceful assembly in [Serbia]," Joveva said in her post.

"The Serbian students leading the current wave of protests embody the spirit of the Sakharov Prize," reads the nomination statement posted by Joveva, and goes on to say that "winning the Sakharov Prize would recognise their role as torchbearers for a Serbia that aspires to join the European family, and would strengthen public confidence in the EU among Serbians."

Ever since the deadly collapse of the concrete overhang at the Novi Sad railway station, Serbia's students have been taking to the streets to fight for the values espoused by the EU, too -- human rights, democracy, dignity and the rule of law, Joveva said, adding that the "EU shouldn't pretend anymore and finally - act."

Joveva also said that it was with great concern that she stressed that the actions the Serbian authorities were resorting to seriously undercut the rule of law and fundamental democratic principles, moving Serbia further away from European values and a future within the EU.