At the panel discussion “Freedoms Under Pressure: Civil Society and Digital Oversight in Serbia and Abroad”, organised by the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) on 31 October in Belgrade, speakers warned that digital surveillance and spyware use are rapidly becoming tools of political control in Serbia and across Europe, posing severe risks to human rights and democracy.

The Civil Committee for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Whistleblowers calls on the competent Public Prosecutor’s Office to immediately act upon information about an alleged plot to assassinate student Pavle Cicvarić, as publicly stated on Informer television by Siniša Vučinić, a member of the Main Board of the Serbian Progressive Party.

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.

The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) expresses deep concern over serious irregularities, abuses, and selective actions by members of the Ministry of Interior during the local elections held on June 8, 2025, in Zaječar and Kosjerić. We call for an immediate, independent investigation into all reported incidents. These events are part of a broader security context in which the police are increasingly failing to fulfill their primary role—protecting citizens and upholding the rule of law.

Organised by the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP), the Sandbox Conference titled "Human Rights Defenders Under Attack" concluded earlier this week.

In Solidarity with Students, Academics, and Civil Society

Human rights defenders are people who act, individually or jointly, to advance human rights and fundamental freedoms and fight for their protection at the local, national and international levels.

The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) expresses grave concern over the President of Serbia's overreach of constitutional authority through undue pressure on police officers and open violations of the Police Act. We remind the President that they lack the legal mandate to make decisions regarding the appointment or dismissal of police personnel and urge strict adherence to Serbia’s Constitution and legal framework.

On Friday, March 14, activist and student Lazar Dinić was arrested in Belgrade, while in Novi Sad, members of the Free Citizens Movement (PSG) were detained: Lado Jovović, Marija Vasić, Davor Stefanović, Srđan Đurić, and Mladen Cvijetić. On March 16, the Higher Court in Novi Sad ordered a 30-day detention for these six individuals, and today, searches were carried out at the apartments of activists who are currently out of the country.