GENEVA - A year after a deadly canopy collapse at a train station in Serbia set off a wave of student-led protests, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged renewed efforts to ensure accountability, saying it was crucial to restore public trust in institutions and uphold the rule of law.
"There has been no meaningful process to uncover the truth and seek justice for the tragedy that resulted in the deaths of 16 people at the Novi Sad railway station. This, despite the ongoing demands from tens of thousands of individuals who have taken to the streets, calling for justice," said the High Commissioner.
"Even worse, many allegations of violent attacks and arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters and journalists during demonstrations have not been investigated and remain unpunished. On the contrary, such incidents continue to recur," Türk added.
For 12 months, Serbs have rallied across the country, demanding accountability for the Novi Sad tragedy, action against corruption, and the release of individuals arbitrarily detained during or shortly after participating in peaceful protests. The authorities have dismissed these demands, accusing the protesters of inciting violence and alleging "foreign interference".
The Human Rights Chief reiterated the need for prompt, transparent, independent, and effective investigations into the collapse of the Novi Sad train station canopy to be pursued to conclusion, as legal proceedings against those allegedly responsible have stalled. He also emphasized the importance of prompt and impartial investigations into all allegations of arbitrary arrests and detentions, and the unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by law enforcement during demonstrations.
Türk stressed Serbia's obligation to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and thereby ensure that measures to maintain public order go no further than the strict limitations on them set out in human rights law. "The full enjoyment of rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental to a well-functioning, democratic society, and become especially vital in a deeply polarized environment," he said.
The High Commissioner also highlighted the importance of judicial independence, free from political pressure, and seen to be so by the wider population. "This is the only way to maintain people's trust in the rule of law," Türk said.
