The Serbian Security Sector Must Act According to the Law, Not Political Arbitrary Power

In videos that circulated on social media and were broadcast by the media, members of the Gendarmerie are seen breaking through the human wall of students in front of RTS and striking several peaceful demonstrators with batons. We reiterate that the excessive use of police force against peaceful demonstrators is incompatible with democratic principles and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the freedom of peaceful assembly.

During the violent dismantling of the student blockade, a member of the Gendarmerie hit plainclothes police officer Lazar Bačić. Although citizen-recorded footage clearly shows that Bačić was punched in face by a gendarme, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, via his Instagram account, blamed the gathered students and other citizens, while the public broadcaster reported that the Gendarmerie in front of RTS was attacked. This is not the first such incident, as police officers injured several plainclothes officers with their service batons during protests in December 2023.

Furthermore, a part of the group gathered in Pioneer Park, who present themselves as “students who want to study,“ physically attacked a passerby, while the uniformed police officers on the scene failed to prevent the violence or arrest the perpetrators. We express concern for the personal safety of Belgrade residents, given that convicted criminals and members of extremist groups were identified in Pioneer Park, where they enjoy preferential treatment from the police.

Such police actions are even more troubling in the light of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s statement that the state will tolerate large-scale violence allegedly planned for Saturday, March 15, to reveal the true aggressor to the public. BCSP calls on the police and security services to act in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Serbia, as well as professional standards, and to prevent the planned instigation of violence so that the citizens of Serbia can peacefully exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights.

Belgrade, 11 March 2025

About the Author: Beogradski centar za bezbednosnu politiku

MISSION

The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) is an independent think-tank that contributes to advancing the security of people in accordance with democratic principles and respect for human rights through research, public advocacy, community development and education.

VISION

A democratic society overseen by accountable institutions, in which security is a public good and people are free, equal and free from fear. The values of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy are: Human rights and freedoms Democracy Accountability and transparency Integrity Solidarity

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Providing evidence-based policy opinions, advises and information which will lead to further European security architecture, democratic governance of security sector and foreign policy which is based on the European Union core values and principles, Supporting development of civil society organizations and advocates of change in order to create environment for more transparent, accountable and responsive state institutions in country, Providing analysis in the area of security, rule of law, foreign and defense policy of Serbia for domestic, foreign and international decision makers, journalists, students and interested public, Education of democratic leaders in the areas of security, human rights, foreign policy and their engagement in the foreign, defense and security community of European Union, Supporting human rights activists, freedom fighters and whistleblowers in order to encourage their mission and increase democratic capacities of the whole society.

The Serbian Security Sector Must Act According to the Law, Not Political Arbitrary Power

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About the Author: Beogradski centar za bezbednosnu politiku

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