United Nations human rights experts have issued a call to Serbia, urging an end to the intensifying crackdown on peaceful student demonstrators. The experts emphasize the necessity for the government to engage in substantive dialogue with academic institutions to uphold the principles of academic freedom. This appeal follows a series of actions by Serbian officials that have targeted students, educators, and civil society, raising significant concerns about human rights and academic independence.
The protests across Serbia can be traced back to late 2024, sparked by a tragic incident involving the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, which resulted in the deaths of 16 people. This incident led to widespread calls for government accountability, transparency, and increased investment in education. Fuelled by the “Students in Blockade” movement, the demonstrations reached their peak in March 2025 in Belgrade, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants according to Jurist.
The response from Serbian authorities has been notably severe. Amnesty International has highlighted alarming incidents of Serbian riot police employing excessive force against peaceful protestors. These actions have resulted in arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and reports of intimidation and physical attacks. Concerns have been amplified by reports of unlawful surveillance and the targeting of protestors by officers in civilian clothing.
Adding to the tension, government representatives and state-aligned media have portrayed protestors as “terrorists.” This characterization has been accompanied by a smear campaign, with hundreds of defamatory articles directed at students and university officials. Additionally, educational institutions have been directly affected through faculty salary cuts, suspension of research funding, and threats of disciplinary action against teachers and students involved in the protests.
International human rights law clearly outlines access to justice and effective remedies as fundamental rights. However, human rights experts have denounced the Serbian government’s actions as a troubling pattern of repression that undermines democratic principles. The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, expressed his concerns about the issue in July, aligning with organizations like Amnesty International that have called for Serbian authorities to halt the use of force and engage with protestors’ demands.
This systematic attempt to suppress dissent poses serious questions about Serbia’s commitment to democratic values and international human rights standards. As the situation develops, it is critical for the international community to remain vigilant and advocate for the protection of student rights and academic freedom in Serbia.