03 Oct Three freedoms under the magnifying glass: 15-30 September, 2019
Belgrade, October 3, 2019-
Review of violations of freedom of association, assembly and expression in Serbia 15-30 September 2019
The freedom of assembly, association and expression are guaranteed by the Constitution in all declaratively democratic states.
Daily monitoring of the state of liberties in Serbia gives a clear picture on the fact that unconditional respect for the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution is not provided.
In addition to that, in many cases those rights and freedoms are constrained by political suitability and affection of the authorities.
In past two weeks, the main news in Serbia was events related to student protests, blockade of the Rectorate, and later on the agreement reached with the rector, Ivanka Popovic. Her statements in which she stated that the autonomy of the University has been violated by the intrusion of the party activists of the Serbian Progressive Party, as well as the statement regarding the need of urgent resolution of the dubious doctorate of Minister Sinisa Mali, provoked violent reactions of the state officials who did not refrained from using abusive words and senseless cynicism.
The campaign against N1 television, which is still targeted by the ruling party officials, has also continued, presenting them as a television that is suspiciously doing business and operating against Serbia’s interests.
Here is an overview of key violations of freedom of assembly, association and expression from 15-30 September.
Follow two-weeks newsletter with overviews which are showing instances of violations of the freedoms of association, assembly and expression.
Representatives of 20 civil society organisations signed in Belgrade the Three Freedoms Platform for the Protection of Civic Space in the Republic of Serbia, in order to protect and promote the freedom of association, assembly and information.The Platform is intended to act as a joint block of civil society organizations (associations, professional organizations, foundations, endowments, and other forms of associations including informal groups of citizens) to stand for the protection of endangered freedoms and create conditions for unhindered participation of citizens in public affairs through civil society development.
In March this year Serbia was placed on the CIVICUS Monitor Watch List as a country where these freedoms are seriously threatened.
Three freedoms under the magnifying glass: 15-30 Septmeber 2019
* Civic Initiatives as a partner of CIVICUS Monitor for Serbia send bi-weekly reports in English since August 2018. Learn more about the CIVICUS Monitor here.