Serbian Leader Shares OSCE Letter on X, Revealing Concern Over Protest Treatment
Leader of the opposition Serbian Center (SRCE) movement Zdravko Ponos shared a letter from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) about concerns over protests in Serbia.
The letter was addressed to Serbia’s Ambassador to the OSCE, Zarko Obradovic. ODIHR expressed worry over reports that protesters are being attacked and arrested during student demonstrations.
Student protests have been going on for more than two months. The protests started when students blocked the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade after attacks on their colleagues. Since then, the protests have grown, leading to the closure of all faculties across Serbia’s four universities.
Students have been taking to the streets, protesting and demanding accountability for a tragedy in Novi Sad. On November 1, a concrete canopy at the city’s main train station collapsed, killing 15 people and severely injuring two others.
The students are calling for punishment and removal from public office of those responsible for attacking their colleagues. They have faced intimidation, including vehicle attacks and physical attacks by activists from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
What Does the Letter Say?
In its letter, ODIHR expressed concern over recent developments in Serbia following the November 1 Novi Sad train station canopy collapse.
The letter states that multiple reports have reached ODIHR about protesters being attacked and arrested. It recalls that OSCE human dimension commitments recognize the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.
ODIHR requested further information on the recent events, including circumstances surrounding protester arrests, charges brought against them, and any ensuing convictions.
Finally, ODIHR offered to send a mission to monitor public assemblies in Serbia from February to June 2025. However, it expects an official invitation from Ambassador Obradovic to proceed with this request.
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