The organizations Amnesty International and Civil Rights Defenders assessed in a joint statement that the videos on which police in Serbia indiscriminately targets the peaceful demonstrators alarming and that the authorities urgently need to investigate and explain the allegations of masked persons in civilian clothes targeting protesters.
It is indicated that arrests are widespread and there are allegations of illegal and excessive use of force when arresting protesters.
"The state has the responsibility to ensure public order and to respond to individual violent incidents, but any use of force must be the last option, strictly necessary and proportionate, in order to achieve a legitimate goal. The heavy response of the police to the peaceful expression of dissent cannot be justified," the statement said.
It is emphasized that the government in Serbia must show restraint and ensure that people safely participate in demonstrations and express their dissent, without intimidation, harassment and violence. "Failure to do so risks further escalation of tensions. Cases of the use of illegal police force must be quickly and independently investigated, and all police officers suspected of having acted illegally must be brought to justice," stated Amnesty International and Civil Rights Defenders.
It is added that the leaders of the European Union should unequivocally condemn the violation of the protesters' human rights and emphasize that guaranteeing the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression remains a priority in the process of Serbia's accession to the EU.
Source: FoNet
