30. April 2025.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has issued a temporary measure ordering the Republic of Serbia to refrain from using sound devices for the purpose of controlling gathered citizens until further notice. This decision followed the request submitted, on behalf of 47 citizens, by civil society organizations – Belgrade Center for Human Rights, Crta, Committee of Lawyers for Human Rights – YUCOM, Initiative A 11, Civic Initiatives and FemPlatz.
The request was submitted in connection with the events of March 15, and the organizations believe that the Court acknowledged the serious concerns of citizens with this decision. The temporary measure represents an important warning to the state of Serbia and another argument against the authorities’ claim that “nothing significant happened” on March 15.
Examining the submitted evidence, the statements of the parties to the proceedings and the fact that the use of sound devices for crowd control is illegal according to the current laws in Serbia – and especially taking into account the potentially serious health consequences for a large number of people – the Court, based on Rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure, ordered the Government of the Republic of Serbia to prevent the use of such devices until further notice.
The organizations decided to use the mechanism for the imposition of temporary measures, which the ECHR rarely applies, but which obliges the Court to react quickly, precisely because of the urgency and seriousness of the situation. It is important to emphasize that a temporary measure is not the same as a Court judgment on a petition, which is a procedure whose completion can take years.
The European Court invited all 47 citizens on whose behalf the request was submitted to submit official petitions against the Republic of Serbia by May 28, 2025 at the latest. If the Court decides that their rights have been violated, such a procedure could result in a judgment confirming the facts of the state’s responsibility.