Photo credit: Diego Naranjo
Joint Statement by the Global Campus of Human Rights’ Alumni Associations – EAN and the EMAlumni Association
We, the representatives of the ERMA Alumni Network (EAN) and the EMAlumni Association, express our deep concern regarding the ongoing violations of civic rights in Serbia and call on the European Union and its institutions to take a principled stance in defense of democratic values and the rule of law.
Since the collapse of the canopy at the main train station in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, student movements across Serbia have mobilized to demand accountability, transparency and safety. What began as a call to investigate the incident has evolved into a broader movement calling for the protection of civic space, students’ rights and democratic governance.
As the protests intensified, students and citizens have been met with a disproportionate response by authorities. Reports of police brutality, the alleged use of a sound cannon against peaceful protesters during a minute of silence, the unlawful detention of activists, as well as putting them on the “Wanted” list, raise serious concerns. In addition, municipal authorities have prevented opposition representatives from participating in local assembly sessions, such as in the case of one of the municipalities in Belgrade, and numerous legal experts have warned of constitutional overreach by the President of Serbia.
These developments point to a shrinking civic space, erosion of democratic institutions, and increased repression of dissent — trends that contradict the European Union’s core values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
We stand in solidarity with the students and activists across Serbia who continue to fight for justice, transparency and a democratic future. As alumni of academic programs grounded in human rights and democratic governance, we urge the European Union to:
1. Condemn the use of excessive force and the unlawful arrests of peaceful protesters;
2. Call for an independent investigation into allegations of police brutality;
3. Monitor the state of civic space and media freedom in Serbia;
4. Support efforts by civil society and academic communities advocating for reform;
5. Demand that Serbian authorities uphold constitutional and international human rights obligations.
