PRESS RELEASE
Balkan Civil Society Development Network Condemns Excessive Police Force in Recent Serbian Protests, Urges Accountability and Respect for Fundamental Rights
July 2, 2025 – Skopje, North Macedonia – The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) strongly condemns the excessive use of force by police against peaceful protesters and citizens during recent demonstrations in Serbia. Reports from credible Serbian, regional, and international media, along with testimonies from civil society organizations, depict a disturbing pattern of disproportionate and unnecessary violence, including tear gas, stun grenades, and physical assaults on individuals exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly.
BCSDN reiterates that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are cornerstones of any democratic society and are guaranteed by international human rights instruments to which Serbia is a signatory. The state has a clear obligation to facilitate and protect these rights, not to suppress them through brutal and indiscriminate force. The scenes witnessed in recent days, including instances of police brutality against unarmed citizens and journalists, are unacceptable and represent a violation of democratic principles and human dignity.
As an organization committed to fostering vibrant civil societies, advocating for human rights, and strengthening the rule of law across the Western Balkans, BCSDN calls upon the Serbian authorities to:
- Immediately Cease All Forms of Excessive Force: Ensure that law enforcement agencies adhere strictly to international standards on the use of force, which stipulate that force must be necessary, proportionate, and used only as a last resort.
- Launch a Thorough and Independent Investigation: Swiftly initiate impartial and effective investigations into all reported incidents of police brutality and excessive force. This must include identifying, prosecuting, and holding accountable all individuals responsible for human rights violations, regardless of their position.
- Ensure Accountability and End Impunity: Transparency and accountability are crucial for restoring public trust. Without genuine accountability, a culture of impunity will only deepen, further eroding democratic institutions and citizens’ faith in the rule of law.
- Protect Protesters and Journalists: Guarantee the safety and rights of all individuals participating in protests, as well as those reporting on them. Journalists must be allowed to perform their duties without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence.
- Engage in Constructive Dialogue: Open channels for meaningful dialogue with civil society organizations and citizens to address the underlying grievances that fuel public discontent. A healthy democracy thrives on open communication and respect for diverse opinions.
BCSDN stands in solidarity with the citizens of Serbia who are bravely exercising their democratic rights and with the civil society organizations working tirelessly to monitor human rights, provide legal aid, and advocate for justice. We urge international bodies, including the European Union and the Council of Europe, to closely monitor the situation, exert pressure on Serbian authorities to uphold their human rights obligations, and provide support to civil society initiatives.
The protection of civic space and fundamental freedoms is crucial for Serbia’s democratic progress and its path toward European integration, particularly within Chapter 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights). BCSDN will continue to advocate for these principles and support all efforts aimed at ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law in the region.
About BCSDN:
The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) is a regional network of civil society organizations from the Balkan region, dedicated to protecting and expanding civic space by promoting a strong, independent, and resilient civil society that can withstand challenges.
Contact:
Toshe Zafirov
Communication and advocacy
Balkan Civil Society Development Network
Email: tzf@balkancsd.net