Balkan Civil Society Development Network: Sebian Regime Crackdown Crossing Borders – European Civil Society Aler Against Oppression!

28 January 2025 | Members' Corner

Serbia entered 2025 amid the echoes of a turbulent year marked by civic resistance against severe authorities’ restrictions on fundamental rights. Sparked by the Novi Sad tragedy, which unveiled systemic corruption and government repression, civic protests were met with police brutality, mass arrests, and intimidation by pro-government groups. These events underscored Serbia’s alarming democratic decline, where dissent is silenced, and civic freedoms are obstructed. Following the recent events, the Serbian authority’s regime has not only targeted domestic activists, journalists, and peaceful protesters but also extended its repression to foreign activists and civil society organizations, hindering their participation in public debates. This escalating autocracy raises urgent questions: How far will the repression go, and what steps can civil society and international actors take to counter it?

At the end of last year and into the beginning of this year, tens of thousands gathered in Belgrade and other Serbian cities in one of the largest protest movements in recent years, demanding accountability for the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse that killed 15 people. The tragedy, widely blamed on corruption and substandard projects tied to Chinese state companies, sparked protests led by students and farmer unions. These demonstrations have since taken on an international dimension, with Serbian diaspora organizing rallies worldwide to raise awareness about civic space threats. Protesters have accused Serbian governance of curbing democratic freedoms, while pro-government media outlets have targeted activists by publishing their personal data. This crackdown, highlighting increasingly autocratic stance, marked by mass arrests, intimidation, and violence from pro-government groups, highlights the severity of democratic decline. A recent incident in Belgrade, where a student protester was seriously injured by a driver charged with attempted murder, has further intensified public outcry. Amid these challenges, BCSDN member Civic Initiatives continues to support activists through the ŠTIT Activist Card, offering legal and emergency assistance to those facing threats or pressures.

These oppressive government’s tendencies are now reaching beyond Serbia’s borders. On January 22, 14 activists and NGO professionals from the EU and Western Balkans participating in Erste Stiftung’s NGO Academy study visit in Belgrade were detained overnight and expelled without evidence or investigation. They were accused of posing a security threat to Serbia and issued a one-year entry ban. These individuals were detained, interrogated, and compelled to sign documents labeling them as a “national security threat”. This alarming incident raises significant concerns about human rights and freedoms in Serbia, particularly regarding the safety of activists and organizations working on human rights both domestically and regionally. Equally troubling is the apparent strategy by the authorities to foster hostility toward neighboring countries and the EU, thus distracting the public opinion from domestic problems and growing public criticism.

This is far from an isolated case. In recent months, Croatian nationals have faced similar expulsions, and earlier this year, Bosnian activists and writers supporting Serbian protests were also banned. What sets this incident apart is that, for the first time, a group with no clear connection to Serbia’s domestic politics has been labeled a security threat and denied entry to the country.

In response to this incident, CSOs across the region and the EU in an open letter asked Serbian authorities to explain these unjust actions and ensure respect for human rights and freedoms, as also in line with the Serbia EU integration process. They are also calling on EU institutions and member states to hold Serbian authorities accountable and demand adherence to European values enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Standing in solidarity with all those affected by this regime we supported the European CSOs call for a united Europe-wide response to protect civic space!

As a regional network promoting a more enabling environment for civil society, BCSDN remains dedicated to monitoring the situation and responding as necessary as it continues to develop.