The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Tuesday called on Serbia to ensure peaceful assemblies without the unreasonable or excessive use of police force.
In a statement on X, the office emphasized that Serbia is also obliged to “prevent violence, in line with its human rights obligations.”
“Promoting dialogue and accountability is the best way to ease current tensions,” the statement read.
Mass protests that began in Serbia in November 2024 have now entered a new phase. Since August 12, when violence erupted in the northern towns of Vrbas and Bačka Palanka, there have been daily clashes between demonstrators and police.
These incidents have sparked protests across dozens of cities, including the capital Belgrade, as allegations of police brutality spread nationwide.
In recent days, several NGOs have filed criminal complaints against police officers for violence against protesters, Radio Free Europe reported.
Serbia’s Interior Minister, Ivica Dačić, stated on Tuesday that the police are not hiding anything regarding their actions during the protests and that if there had been any overstepping of authority, those responsible would be held accountable.
The mass protests have continued since November, following the collapse of a concrete shelter at the Novi Sad railway station, which killed 16 people. Students and protesters are demanding political and criminal accountability, as well as early parliamentary elections.
