The courage of Dijana Hrka, a mother on hunger strike demanding justice after losing her son in the tragic collapse of a canopy in Novi Sad, has become a damning indictment of Serbia’s ruling authorities, according to Sandro Goci, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party.
In a written statement, Goci criticized the Serbian police for failing to act neutrally, accusing them of enabling acts of intimidation by individuals allegedly mobilized by President Aleksandar Vučić’s inner circle. Hooligans reportedly approached Hrka, playing music, lighting fireworks, and throwing firecrackers directly at her—a grotesque display in front of a grieving mother.
“What we saw is not law enforcement; it is political repression and a collapse of moral responsibility. Those protecting Hrka were arrested, while those harassing her were allowed to act with impunity,” Goci stated.
He directly challenged President Vučić, urging him to confront the human cost of his government’s inaction.
“President Vučić, if you have even a shred of courage, do not hide behind your police forces or paid mobs. Step out of the presidency, face this mother, and look her in the eye. Politics should be about courage and accountability, not cowardice and avoidance,” Goci said.
The statement highlights growing international concern over Serbia’s handling of protests and the treatment of citizens seeking justice, particularly in cases linked to the Novi Sad tragedy.
