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Press Release:
BCSP Calls for Immediate End to Police Violence
The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) strongly urges the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia to immediately cease the excessive and unlawful use of force against peaceful demonstrators. Security forces must treat all citizens equally, act in accordance with the law and strictly follow service regulations during any intervention.
Over the past two days, police officers have committed serious violations of the Law on Police, the Rulebook on Police Powers, and the Regulation on Uniforms, Insignia and Equipment. On June 28, during and after the protest at Slavija Square, police interventions resulted in numerous injuries, some of which were severe. Today, police vehicles were unlawfully used to charge at peaceful citizens on Vojvode Stepe Street, endangering their lives. Uniformed officers without visible identification also used force against demonstrators during the blockade near the Faculty of Law. These are just some of the documented violations of legal norms governing police conduct.
We demand an immediate end to the violence perpetrated by state authorities—particularly security forces—against citizens, as well as the arbitrary arrests of peaceful demonstrators. We also remind officers that, under Article 41 of the Law on Police, they have the right to refuse orders from superiors if carrying them out would constitute a criminal offence.
The duty of the police is to protect the Constitution and the law—not the ruling regime. We warn that Serbia must not descend into uncontrolled chaos where citizens, freedom fighters, and students are sacrificed to preserve the power of a single political party.
Belgrade, June 30, 2025.
Tags: BCSP Press Realease
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