Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights sends message to Serbian authorities regarding tomorrow's student protest
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty, who visited Serbia from May 18 to 21, called on Serbian authorities today to regulate tomorrow's student protest and ensure it is in full compliance with their human rights obligations, noting that the human rights situation has worsened since his visit last year.
TL;DR
- Council of Europe Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty visited Serbia from May 18-21, focusing on freedom of expression, media, peaceful assembly, and civil society space.
- He expressed concern over the worsening human rights situation, citing excessive force against protesters, lack of accountability for police misconduct, and impunity for attacks on journalists.
- O’Flaherty noted a shrinking space for dissent due to government media dominance, SLAPP suits against journalists, and the portrayal of civil society as 'traitors' in pro-government media.
- He urged Serbian authorities to regulate the upcoming student protest in line with human rights obligations and called for improved credibility of human rights institutions.
- The Commissioner highlighted the need for consistent implementation of Venice Commission recommendations and expressed concern about the Protector of Citizens' failure to fulfill their mandate.
- O’Flaherty expressed worry about polarization and the breakdown of cooperation mechanisms between civil society and authorities.
- Authorities canceled scheduled meetings with several ministers.
- Only five out of approximately 200 documented attacks on journalists resulted in final court convictions.