Civil Society in Serbia Under Brutal Government Pressure – Urgent Action Needed!

Maja Stojanović, a prominent activist for freedom of expression and media, and her husband Dragan Popović have been subjected to systematic persecution and relentless smear campaigns by the authorities and their affiliated media for years. The latest attack by the President of Serbia is just a continuation of coordinated pressure aimed at delegitimising and completely silencing independent civil society, while putting a target on this couple and their family.

False accusations regarding their alleged role in organising student protests are part of a broader strategy to intimidate all those who criticise the government over the tragedy in Novi Sad, which was caused by corruption and recklessness. These attacks come at a time when pressure on civil society by the authorities is reaching levels of mass paranoia, as they attempt to identify so-called organisers of protests and road blockades involving a large number of citizens. The attacks on civil society serve as a tool for the government to falsely claim that civic associations are orchestrating a “colour revolution in Serbia.” This narrative, taken directly from the Kremlin’s playbook on suppressing democratic societies to establish absolute power, will not succeed in a country that is a candidate for EU membership.

Civil society stands in solidarity with students, educators, and all other citizens protesting today in cities and municipalities across Serbia. They are fighting for a free and democratic society against violence, corruption, and state capture.

Civil society in Serbia demands that the government immediately stop politically motivated intimidation campaigns and ensure the safety of all activists. Systematic pressure on organisations critical of the government further deepens the already paralysing political crisis and threatens the fundamental democratic rights of citizens.

We also call on European Union institutions to pay attention to the continuous and systemic pressures on civil society in Serbia. The EU must not remain a silent observer while the fundamental values of the rule of law are being eroded in a country aspiring to join the Union. The EU, along with the broader international community, must recognise the severity of the situation and act to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, which are under increasing attack.

 

The statement is signed by:

Autonomous Women’s Centre

Belgrade Centre for Human Rights

Belgrade Centre for Security Policy

Centre for Contemporary Politics

CRTA – Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability

European Movement in Serbia

IJAS – Independent Journalists Association of Serbia

Partners Serbia

RERI – Renewables and Environmental Regulatory Institute

Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation

SHARE Foundation

YUCOM – Lawyer’s Committee for Human Rights

Youth Initiative for Human Rights