Amnesty International: Serbian Regime Uses Repression Against Opponents

Amnesty International's latest annual report paints a grim picture of Serbia, alleging that the current regime employs repression as its primary tool to manage widespread public discontent. The report details a disturbing pattern of actions targeting protesters, journalists, and civil society organizations, aiming to silence dissent and maintain control.

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The Serbian regime tried to rein in widespread discontent through repression against protesters, journalists and civil society organizations.

The findings highlight serious human rights concerns, including unlawful surveillance, intimidation, and harassment. The use of a sonic device against a mass protest is particularly alarming, suggesting a willingness to employ extreme measures. Furthermore, the report underscores persistent discrimination affecting vulnerable groups such as women, girls, Roma, LGBTI individuals, and people with disabilities, indicating a systemic failure to uphold equality and protect fundamental rights.

Adding to these concerns, Amnesty International notes a disturbing sidelining of war crimes prosecutions and regional judicial cooperation. Simultaneously, Serbia has reportedly intensified its arms transfers to Israel, a move that raises questions about the country's foreign policy and its commitment to international peace and human rights. The report also points to a heavy-handed police response to anti-corruption protests, resulting in numerous arrests, assaults, and threats against demonstrators and journalists covering the events.

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Journalists were targeted while reporting on the protests and other public-interest issues.

This report from Amnesty International serves as a stark reminder of the challenges to human rights and democratic freedoms in Serbia. The systematic targeting of activists and journalists, coupled with the alleged misuse of spyware and invasive digital tools, creates a climate of fear and stifles public discourse. The disproportionate impact of policies like the Law on Social Cards on marginalized communities, particularly the Roma, further exacerbates existing inequalities and poverty. From our perspective, these are not isolated incidents but indicative of a broader pattern of authoritarian tendencies that demand international attention and scrutiny.

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The continued implementation of the Law on Social Cards, which introduced algorithmic decision-making in determining who should receive monetary social support, resulted in 60,000 people losing access to financial aid over the three years since its roll-out in March 2022, disproportionately affecting Roma who continued to live in poverty.