Belgrade, July 11, 2025
Violation of basic human rights in Serbia
June 27 – July 10, 2025
While the authorities persistently characterize the blockades and protests as “a problem that can be solved quickly”, citizens and students continue to suffer police brutality and pressure. In several cities of Serbia, including Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Užice, there have been recorded violent breaking of blockades, mass arrests and identification of citizens who peacefully express their dissatisfaction. The police used excessive force, and reports and punishments come even to those who did not commit violence.
Students have been targeted for 8 months, and among those arrested are well-known activists. The pressure does not stop there either, as attacks and threats against journalists are becoming more frequent, and cases of SLAPP lawsuits against critics of the government confirm the trend of stifling freedom of expression.
In this context, arrests and police interventions are part of a broader government strategy to crush civil movements and prevent the spread of protests, while the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are systematically restricted.
More details on the arrests, raids and legal pressure, as well as public reactions, can be found in the full report below.