Students announce Valjevo protest: One year without justice, Serbia remembers

Student activists in Valjevo are calling for a major demonstration this Friday, August 14, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of significant unrest and alleged police brutality that occurred in the city. The protest, organized under the slogan “One Year Without Justice – Valjevo Remembers,” aims to draw attention to the perceived lack of accountability for the events that transpired.

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On the night of August 13, masked thugs demolished the ‘Romana’ cafe right in front of a police cordon, injuring the owner, his teenage son, and several customers. The following night, August 14, police used excessive force against citizens. At that time, 67 mostly young people were detained, many of whom sustained injuries.

Last year's protest on August 14 was reportedly marred by scenes of police violence, including footage showing riot police assaulting a motionless young man. The upcoming rally seeks to address the lingering grievances, with activists pointing out that no one has yet been held responsible for the alleged excessive force used by police and the assaults on citizens and business owners.

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A year later, there has been no accountability. Neither the names of the officers who exceeded their authority nor the identities of the attackers who assaulted citizens and destroyed property have been made public.

According to the students, the violence extended beyond the initial protests. They cite incidents where masked assailants attacked businesses, injuring owners and staff. A year later, activists state that neither the officers accused of exceeding their authority nor the identities of the attackers have been publicly revealed. This lack of transparency fuels their demand for justice.

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It is a demand for accountability and a message that the passage of time must not become an excuse for forgetting or impunity.

Furthermore, the activists allege ongoing efforts to downplay or erase the events from public memory through media manipulation and the suppression of facts. They view the upcoming protest not merely as a memorial but as a crucial demand for accountability and a clear message that time should not be an excuse for impunity. The students emphasize that the events in Valjevo concern the fundamental right of every citizen to safety and protection from violence, asserting that "Serbia remembers."

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What happened in Valjevo isn’t just a local issue; it’s about every citizen’s right to safety and protection from violence.