Call to address volatile and violent rhetoric targeting a human rights defender

On August 15, a large-scale graffiti featuring Sofija Todorovic’s full name materialized on the facade of a building in the small Borca neighbourhood of Belgrade in which she lives. The graffiti, displaying her name and surname alongside derogatory and sexist language, is accompanied by the conspicuous letter “Z”, which symbolizes support for the Russian aggression against Ukraine and war destruction. Ms. Todorovic is a resolute voice advocating for reconciliation and peace in the Western Balkans, addressing historical and wartime legacies. Her outspoken views have made her a target and prompted specific legal actions by the ECHR. Recently, she voiced her support for Kosovo’s accession to the UN as a pivotal step to ensure lasting peace and the protection of human rights.

As a network, we stress the grave concern this poses for not only civil society but Serbian citizens who have been exposed to unprecedented levels of violence in the public space. Lacking appropriate institutional response, the outbreaks of violence and the use of discriminatory and inflammatory rhetoric have only increased following the two mass shootings that took place in early May. The promotion of convicted war criminals, the use of hate speech and derogatory language in the institutions and in the mainstream media, and the defense of Russian aggression in Ukraine permeate the public discourse. This discourse, cast against a culture of violence, poses an intensive and extensive risk to Serbia’s democratic prospects.

This is another testament to the fact that the Serbian government and highest officials are compliant in nurturing a culture of violence and often act as generators of violence and hate speech. The incident has been reported to the police, awaiting a response and action from designated authorities.

This deeply damaging incident is one example of a long and dangerous stride of attacks targeting outspoken activists, journalists, and citizens. Decisive action must be taken in order to eradicate this deep-rooted culture of violence and ensure all individuals and groups are protected against these human rights abuses.