The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, has expressed concern over reports that criminal proceedings against police officers accused of serious misconduct during anti-government protests in Serbia could be discontinued through a deferred prosecution arrangement.
In a statement published on social media, O’Flaherty specifically referred to a case involving a female student who was allegedly subjected to police misconduct during protests in Belgrade in July 2025.
The Commissioner warned that abandoning criminal proceedings in cases involving serious allegations against law enforcement officers could further weaken public trust in institutions and contribute to a climate of impunity.
“Discontinuing criminal proceedings for serious police misconduct through deferred prosecution risks further undermining trust in law enforcement and reinforcing the climate of impunity,” O’Flaherty stated.
He called on Serbian authorities to ensure effective investigations, prosecutions, and, where appropriate, deterrent penalties for police misconduct committed during public demonstrations.
The comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of Serbia’s handling of anti-government protests and allegations of excessive use of force by security services. Human rights organizations have repeatedly urged authorities to conduct transparent investigations into incidents involving protesters and police officers.
The case is likely to intensify debate over accountability within Serbia’s law enforcement agencies and the country’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law, issues that remain closely monitored by European institutions.
