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Attack on writer Arsenijević is a disgrace to Serbia, groups say
🇷🇸 Serbia /Conflict & Security

Attack on writer Arsenijević is a disgrace to Serbia, groups say

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • European Movement in Serbia and the Centre for Regionalism condemned a physical assault on writer Vladimir Arsenijević.
  • The attack occurred in Belgrade on July 11, just before a commemoration for the victims of the Srebrenica genocide.
  • The organizations called for the perpetrators' swift identification and prosecution, stating the violence is a disgrace to Serbia.

The European Movement in Serbia and the Centre for Regionalism have vehemently condemned a physical attack on writer and cultural figure Vladimir Arsenijević. The assault took place in Belgrade on July 11, just days before the commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide victims.

attack on him represents an attack on freedom of expression, peaceful civic action, and the basic values of a democratic society.

— European Movement in Serbia and Centre for RegionalismDescribing the significance of the assault on Arsenijević.

Arsenijević, a recipient of the "Živorad Kovačević" award for his contributions to good neighborly relations and regional cooperation, has long promoted dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation in the region. The organizations emphasized that the attack on him constitutes an assault on freedom of expression, peaceful civic action, and the fundamental values of a democratic society.

it is particularly worrying that the attack occurred in the context of marking the anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, thereby sending an unambiguous message of intimidation.

— European Movement in Serbia and Centre for RegionalismHighlighting the timing and potential implications of the attack.

They expressed particular concern that the attack occurred in the context of the Srebrenica genocide anniversary, viewing it as an unambiguous message of intimidation. The groups stated that any attempt to obstruct remembrance, dialogue, or public expression of views contradicts democratic principles, the rule of law, and the European values Serbia should uphold.

every attempt to prevent remembrance, dialogue, and public expression of views is contrary to democratic principles, the rule of law, and European values on which Serbia must be based.

— European Movement in Serbia and Centre for RegionalismStating the principles violated by the attack.

"Such violence is a disgrace to Serbia and unworthy of a country that claims to want to belong to the European Union and its democratic space," the statement read. The European Movement in Serbia is demanding that authorities urgently identify and prosecute those responsible and transparently establish all circumstances surrounding the attack.

this kind of violence is a disgrace to Serbia and unworthy of a country that claims to want to belong to the European Union and its democratic space.

— European Movement in Serbia and Centre for RegionalismCharacterizing the impact of the violence on Serbia's international standing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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