Violence in Serbia Increased Over the Last Few Years Shows BCSP’s Research

Three-quarters of citizens think that violence in Serbian society has increased over the last few years. For this trend they blame government the most, and then the bullies and distorted value system. According to respondents, the main causes of violence are bad economic situation, poverty and lack of opportunities, shows BCSP research “Citizens of Serbia on Security – Potential for Violence”.

However, BCSP researcher Katarina Djokic points to the fact that violence is unacceptable for the most of Serbian citizens.

“The vast majority of citizens, 78 percent, think that only peaceful protests are legitimate, while one-fifth of respondents don’t fully oppose to the stoning of police –  which is more acceptable then burning of embassies. The only exception to the low acceptance for violence is the attitude towards Pride. Half of the respondents believe that Parade organisers deliberately provoke violence, and two-thirds of them consider that gay population don’t endanger them”, pointed out Katarina Djokic.

In addition to public opinion polls, which was realized by CeSiD on the territory of Serbia (without Kosovo and Metohija) from 18 to 25 September, this project also included eight focus groups and in-depth interviews in six cities.

BCSP intern Isidora Stakic was participating in two focus groups. For her, the most interesting one was focus group held in Novi Pazar.

„Research implemented among young Serbs and Bosniaks from Novi Pazar showed that they do feel safe. They also blame media for potentiation of ethnic division. The only difference in their ansawers is related to the work of police. Serbs are satisfied, but Bosniaks think that police is not efficient. Futhermore, they all agree that police is corrumped“, said Isidora Stakic.

Other BCSP intern, Jovana Jovanovic, participated in interviews with members of the sport club fun groups. Her conclusion is that “members of these groups don’t see violence as something bad, more so, they have standing that every real fun has police record”.

“One of our respondents consider that, and I will quote him, “the idea of Serbdom can be achieved only by football  fun”. They also pointed out their participation on barricades, and protests after meeting “Kosovo is Serbia” and arrest of Radovan Karadzic”, said BCSP intern Jovana Jovanovic.