8 hours agoEU Ambassador to Serbia Calls for Repression, Investigation into Use of Too High Police Force
Periskopi(10 months ago)
(10 months ago)The new European Union Ambassador to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerat, said Wednesday after a meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut, that the European bloc condemns violence in protests in Serbian cities and called for immediate calming of the situation. “Freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful rally and media freedom must [...]
“Freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful rally and media freedom must be respected”, Von Beckeret wrote in his X account Wednesday.
He also stressed that the <x0 policy action should remain proportional” and that “excessive use of force should be investigated, including threats and violence against journalists”.
A wave of protests, which began in Serbia in November 2024, has entered a new phase now.
There have been daily clashes between demonstrators and police since August 12th, when violence erupted in northern towns, Vrbas and Backa Pallanka.
These incidents sparked protests in dozens of cities in the country, including the capital Belgrade, while charges of police brutality spread throughout the country.
In recent days, several nongovernmental organisations have made criminal charges against police officers for police violence against protesters.
Beckerat added that the European Union is closely monitoring the situation “even in the context of negotiations with Serbia for EU membership”.
“The road to the European Union offers solutions to many of the challenges facing Serbia”, Von Beckeret added.
He also wrote he had a constructive meeting with Serbia's prime minister. / REL
