GENEVA - Increasing restrictions on civic space in Serbia, marked by continuing attacks against critical voices, restrictions on media freedom and broader constraints on democratic expression, are very worrying.
Reports of growing violence, voter intimidation and procedural irregularities, including police raids on opposition premises during recent local elections, raise serious questions about the integrity and climate of the electoral process.
The continued targeting of journalists and the growing pressure on independent media outlets also point to a broader deterioration of the media environment.
I call on the authorities to ensure the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and to uphold media freedom. Concrete steps need to be taken to restore public trust in institutions and the rule of law by ensuring transparent, timely and impartial investigations into alleged violations of human rights, and accountability for any wrongdoing.
