Victoria Tiblom, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) rapporteur monitoring Serbia, called on Serbian authorities to immediately halt the excessive use of force, ensure swift, independent, and effective investigations of all violent incidents, and hold both law enforcement officers and private individuals accountable where responsible.
Tiblom emphasized that security forces must also protect individuals and groups from provocations and violence by non-state actors.
“I unequivocally condemn all forms of violence — whether committed by state authorities, pro-government groups, or protesters — and once again urge all sides to refrain from further violence and engage in constructive dialogue,” she stated.
She expressed deep concern over the recent surge in violence across Serbia, noting that for over a week, major cities including Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and Valjevo have witnessed clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Following incidents involving protesters and supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), demonstrators reportedly set fire to SNS offices as well as municipal and court buildings. The police responded with tear gas, batons, and allegedly excessive force. Numerous reports indicate mass arrests and injuries among both demonstrators and police officers. Protesters also accused police of failing to prevent the initial attacks that triggered the clashes.
Tiblom highlighted that these events mark a clear escalation of mass protests that began in November 2024, which had until recently been largely peaceful.
