The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament stand in solidarity with Serbian students who are demanding justice and accountability for the fifteen lives lost in a deadly collapse of the train station roof in Novi Sad, which triggered mass protests against the ruling elite under the slogan ‘Corruption Kills’. The group firmly supports the people’s right to protest and strongly condemns any acts of intimidation, violence against protesters, and oppression of foreign citizens.
Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president for enlargement, said:
“We are closely following the massive student protests in Serbia, fully aware of the historical power of Serbian students and the change they brought in the 1990s through their protests against then-president Slobodan Milošević.
“Students are demanding that the government publish all documents related to the reconstruction of the Novi Sad railway station, including the contract with Chinese companies. We fully support their call for justice and accountability from Serbia’s key institutions, which are responsible for the safety and well-being of citizens.
“In this context, we are particularly concerned about the severely restricted functioning of the Serbian parliament. There has been no proper session since last October and no sessions at all since November. This lack of institutional activity exacerbates tensions on the streets, as there are no formal channels to address political disagreements.
“In current circumstances, without fully respecting European values and rules, there can be no progress for Serbia on its path towards the EU, no opening of new chapters or clusters in the accession negotiations. Nevertheless, we will continue to stand with the people of Serbia who are demanding justice and democracy.”
Tonino Picula, S&D MEP and European Parliament’s rapporteur on Serbia, added:
“Reports of intimidation and violence against students in the streets, including the involvement of secret services and hooligans linked to the ruling party, are deeply troubling. We strongly condemn any form of intimidation or violence against protesters.
“Unfortunately, more alarming news is emerging from Serbia. We have also been alerted about the oppression of civil society activists, including EU citizens on 22 January. We demand explanations for the unprecedented detention and deportation of civil society activists attending a seminar in Belgrade, who were banned from Serbia on the grounds of ‘representing a security risk’.
“We reiterate our call to Serbia, a candidate for EU membership, to uphold European values – democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. This includes the obligation to provide credible information to the public, rather than spreading the narrative of a ‘Western-backed colour revolution’, used by the ruling party and pro-government media only to discredit the protesters.”
