Protests across Serbia demanding transparency and accountability after the November tragedy in Novi Sad continued throughout January, met with police brutality, hate speech, and repression of students, activists, human rights defenders, and journalists. The “Three Freedoms” platform condemned the targeting of students and educators, as well as the attempted murder of a student hit by a driver before a blockade. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders voiced concern over the escalating crackdown, stressing that authorities must ensure a safe environment for civil society. One of the major events was the 24-hour Belgrade blockade on January 27, joined by students, farmers, and civil society groups, led to a general strike, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and the Mayor of Novi Sad. During these events, journalists were threatened and obstructed, with police removing reporters covering opposition protests and failing to protect them from attacks. Tonino Picula, MEP of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats and Rapporteur for Serbia, also condemned the violence and threats against protesters. Meanwhile, the EU faces criticism for its silence and inconsistent stance on the Serbian protests, with CSOs urging in a letter to EU institutions that it risks losing Serbia if it does not respond to the ongoing crisis. Amid turmoil, students remain steadfast in their struggle, earning a Nobel Peace Prize Nomination.
Source: European Western Balkans, Gradjanske Incijative, n1 RS, Radio Free Europe, Safe Journalists/ N1