The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, conducted a mission to Serbia from 25 to 27 April 2025, focusing on policing of demonstrations and on the working environment for civil society and human rights defenders. The mission was carried out in the context of the ongoing student demonstrations which began in November 2024, following a tragedy in Novi Sad which claimed the lives of 16 people. The Commissioner expresses his gratitude to the Serbian authorities for their cooperation and for the open discussions.
The Commissioner acknowledges that the number of student demonstrations held daily across Serbia may put a strain on law enforcement forces, whose current policing appears to be restrained. However, he observes that it is critical to ensure that the framework for democratic policing is maintained in order to ensure the safety of all citizens, in line with Serbia’s obligations under international human rights standards.
The Commissioner further observes that the authorities should avoid stigmatising demonstrators through discourse that mischaracterises demonstrations as a “colour revolution”. This is important in order not to turn individuals against the students, thereby creating a risk of perpetuation of the violence against them that we have seen in recent months, as car ramming or students beaten with bats. The Commissioner urges the authorities to effectively investigate all acts of violence committed during demonstrations and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Concerning the alleged used of a sonic weapon, which is illegal in Serbia, during the peaceful demonstration on 15 March, the Commissioner was informed that some 60 individuals have provided the relevant prosecutor’s office with information about the impact that the exposure to this weapon has had on their health. An investigation is ongoing, in parallel to the investigation carried out by the Ombudsman’s Office. The Commissioner urges the authorities and the Ombudsman to conclude these investigations swiftly, to identify the perpetrator of the incident and ensure accountability.
Concerning reports of the expulsion of foreign nationals on grounds of national security due to their public expression of support for student demonstrations, the Commissioner calls on the authorities to ensure that in each case a meaningful opportunity is provided to challenge, in adversarial proceedings, the assertions that national security is at stake.
The Commissioner expresses concern about the unfavourable working environment for NGOs and human rights defenders, which has been further negatively affected by the reported recent action by the authorities. This includes the alleged use of spyware on human rights defenders and journalists, “foreign agent” type smear campaigns and the leaking of personal data in the media, including information from the files obtained during search operations by the police at several NGO premises in relation to investigations into the use of USAID funds. The Commissioner urges the authorities to refrain from such action and to create an enabling environment for human rights defenders and for civil society work.
The Commissioner encourages the Ombudsman and the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection to fully implement their mandates in terms of protecting human rights and personal data at the national level.
During his mission, the Commissioner met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Ivica Dačić; the Ombudsman, Zoran Pašalić; representatives of civil society, students and international actors including the Head of Delegation and Ambassador of the European Union to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, Gina Romero.