**Serbian Leader Calls for European Investigation into Protest Crackdown**
A leader of the opposition Movement of Free Citizens (PSG) in Serbia has asked a top European official to send a team to investigate the use of a “sound cannon” against protesters. The move comes as tensions rise between the government and opposition groups.
Pavle Grbovic, the leader of PSG, met with Theodoros Rousopoulos, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), on Monday. He asked PACE to send a mission to Serbia as soon as possible to investigate the events surrounding a protest in Belgrade on March 15.
The protest was marked by clashes between police and demonstrators, with some opposition groups accusing the authorities of using excessive force. Grbovic said that Serbian citizens are seeking European institutions’ help to “establish the facts and circumstances” surrounding the use of a sound cannon or other forms of weaponry against peaceful protesters.
Grbovic emphasized that Serbia is fighting for European values such as democracy and human rights. He pointed out that some members of PSG and other activist groups have been detained for four weeks on unfounded charges, sparking concerns about the government’s crackdown on dissent.
“It is only logical that we should expect support in this struggle from those who value these principles,” Grbovic said. “Not from countries like Russia and China, which cannot even secure them for their own citizens.”
The Serbian authorities have repeatedly denied using a sound cannon or any similar device during the protest. However, opposition groups remain skeptical and are demanding an independent investigation.
**What’s at Stake?**
This move by Grbovic reflects the growing tensions between the government and opposition groups in Serbia. The use of a sound cannon against protesters has raised concerns about the authorities’ willingness to suppress dissent and silence voices critical of their policies.
By calling for a European investigation, PSG is seeking international support for its cause. This could have significant implications for Serbia’s relations with European institutions and countries.
As Grbovic noted, this is not just an internal issue but also a test of Europe’s commitment to democratic values and human rights. The outcome will likely be closely watched by observers in the region and beyond.
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