Reaction of the Police to Protests in Novi Sad is Deeply Concerning
Regional Academy for Democratic Development from Novi Sad expresses deep concern over the violence and incidents during last night’s protests in our city, as well as the way security services treated protest participants and organizers.
We are especially alarmed by information suggesting that groups of hooligans, who openly instigated unrest and destroyed property under the watchful eye of the police who did not intervene, were left unpunished. It is completely unacceptable for the police to use violent individuals as a pretext for repressive measures against protest organizers, participants, opposition politicians, and civic activists. Not only is this approach unacceptable and illegal, but it also creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among citizens.
We demand the immediate release of all activists and citizens detained, without extending detention, allowing them the right to defend themselves freely. We demand the prompt release of Novi Sad City Assembly councilor Miša Bačulov and former Vice President of the Vojvodina Government, Goran Ješić. We also call for the proper prosecution and sanctioning of police officers who, while dressed in civilian clothing, arrested citizens without proper identification and procedural adherence, as well as all individuals who participated illegally in detaining citizens.
The regional Academy for Democratic Development firmly believes that transparency in police work and the respect of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly are the foundation of a democratic society. We call on the competent institutions to investigate these events and respond to the questions that have arisen in this context.
Regional Academy for Democratic Development
Novi Sad
Photo: Radio 021
