The European Democratic Party (EDP) said Friday, one year after the police violence against students and citizens in Valjevo and Novi Sad on the night of August 14–15, 2025, that no one has yet been held accountable for the violence.
In a statement marking the anniversary, the EDP described the events as a “night of shame,” saying images of violence and humiliation remain a reminder that accountability has not been established.
“Who will bear responsibility?” the party asked, arguing that Serbia must not forget the events and that Europe should continue to pay attention to them.
The EDP noted that criminal complaints had been filed against 28 police officers, but claimed that no one had been brought to justice. According to the party, the case was transferred to Serbia’s Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office only after the local prosecution came under criticism over the pace and effectiveness of the investigation.
Sandro Gozzi, general secretary of the European Democratic Party and a member of the European Parliament, said the violence in Valjevo and Novi Sad could not be separated from the political system developed under Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
“When citizens are beaten, young people are humiliated, and a year later no one is held accountable, this is no longer simply a question of police misconduct. It is a question of political responsibility. And that responsibility leads directly to Vučić,” Gozzi said.
He also argued that Serbia is approaching a decisive electoral period and called for the next elections to be genuinely free and fair, with media pluralism, accurate voter rolls and no intimidation.
Gozzi compared Vučić’s political system with that of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, saying Orbán had believed his “illiberal system” could last indefinitely before Hungarian voters proved otherwise.
“I hope Vučić will experience the same democratic fate: defeat at the elections. Serbia can be next,” Gozzi said.
The European Democratic Party expressed its full solidarity with Serbian students, citizens, journalists and democratic forces.
