The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, ODIHR, said on Tuesday that Serbia has a duty to enable peaceful gatherings without unreasonable or excessive use of police force.
In a response to X, she said Serbia is also obligated to “prevent violence, in accordance with its human rights obligations.”
"Promoting dialogue and responsibility is the best way to reduce current tensions," the response states.
A wave of protests, which began in Serbia in November 2024, has now entered a new phase.
There have been daily clashes between demonstrators and police since August 12, when violence erupted in the northern towns of Vërbas and Baçka Pallanka.
These incidents sparked protests in dozens of cities in the country, including the capital Belgrade, as accusations of police brutality spread across the country.
In recent days, several non-governmental organizations have filed criminal charges against police officers for police violence against protesters.
Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said on Tuesday that the police were not hiding anything about their actions at the protests and that, if there was any excess of authority, all those who did so would be held accountable.
Since November, massive protests have been taking place in Serbia following the collapse of a concrete shelter at the Novi Sad railway station, where 16 people lost their lives.
Students and protesters demand criminal and political accountability, as well as the announcement of early parliamentary elections. /REL/
