Civil Rights Defenders demands an immediate release of activists from Serbia

In recent months, Serbia has witnessed the biggest pro-democracy protests in the country’s history. Peaceful activists now face a third month of detention, even though there is zero evidence of them committing any crime. Civil Rights Defenders strongly condemns the move, which is a clear attempt by the Serbian government to silence dissent.  

Six activists have been detained for two months now, while there is a warrant out for the arrest of six others who are currently abroad. They were all part of the nationwide protests that followed the deadly collapse of Serbia’s Novi Sad railway station in November. These demonstrations are driven by a demand for justice and accountability and have been entirely peaceful.  

Detained without evidence 

Earlier this week, Novi Sad’s High Court decided to detain the activists for another month, until 12 June. The accusations against them—“preparing an attack on the constitutional order” and “inciting violent change of the constitution”—are politically motivated and based on vague, unfounded claims. The only “evidence” is a private conversation that the security service illegally wiretapped, which was broadcast on national pro-government TV channels the day before the arrests. 

Keeping protesters in detention without evidence of criminal activity is a blatant act of intimidation. Even more concerning is the fact that the prosecution has demanded the maximum penalty, which legally allows the authorities to keep the activists in custody indefinitely.  

Detention and hunger strike are taking their toll 

One of those currently in detention, Professor Marija Vasić, embarked on a hunger strike this week. Her health has since deteriorated rapidly, so she is now in the hospital. The only crime Marija and the other activists committed was demanding respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights. 

To date, not a single person has been held accountable for the Novi Sad tragedy that killed 16 people. Meanwhile, peaceful activists are in prison for protesting this injustice. Civil Rights Defenders therefore demands the immediate release of the six activists and the removal of the other six activists from Serbia’s wanted list.