The Serbs are outraged: An investigation is required into the police action at the protest, in which certain groups caused incidents
Citizen initiatives demand an investigation into the way the police handled the protest in Novi Sad
Citizen initiatives demanded an immediate, impartial investigation into the police action at the protest in Novi Sad and accountability for all those who contributed to the inappropriate police action.
They appealed to the authorities to urgently establish accountability mechanisms in the institutions to enable citizens to have the right to dialogue and effective administration of justice without fear of repression.
"The state has an obligation to citizens to respect and protect their rights to peaceful assembly and expression of their opinion, and the citizens of Serbia deserve institutions that work responsibly and transparently in their interest," the announcement states.
They stated that citizens gathered peacefully and dignified at the protests in Novi Sad, expressing sadness and dissatisfaction due to the tragic death of people at the railway station in Novi Sad, reports N1.
"However, despite the clearly stated commitment of the citizens and the organizers to a peaceful assembly, some groups caused incidents and diverted attention from the justified demands of the citizens. The police in civilian clothes, often without showing identification, did not visibly arrest the members of the violent group, but peacefully rounded up citizens using excessive force," said the civil initiatives.
From there, they add that the protest and anger of the citizens is a direct consequence of the deep dissatisfaction with the chronic lack of institutional responsibility and transparency in Serbia.
