Protests in Serbia

Following a four-day visit to Serbia (18-21 May 2026), Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty issued an end-of-visit statement concluding that the human rights situation has worsened since his previous visit in April 2025. He documented increasing violence against journalists and civil society, a climate of impunity for police malpractice, and the absence of investigations into the alleged sonic weapon attack of 15 March 2025. The Commissioner called on Serbian authorities to implement Venice Commission recommendations on prosecutorial autonomy and to ensure the upcoming 23 May demonstrations are policed in line with human rights obligations. Three meetings with government ministers were cancelled by the Serbian side.

On 14 May, a man drove his car into a 90-year-old man participating in the daily 16-minute silence at the intersection outside the Faculty of Law in Belgrade, leaving the victim seriously injured. Citizens prevented the attacker from fleeing and held him until police arrived. The prosecution subsequently announced it would pursue charges of attempted murder.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk issued a statement expressing serious concern over the erosion of civic space in Serbia. He cited reports of voter intimidation, police raids on opposition premises during recent local elections, and growing pressure on independent journalists and media outlets. Türk called on Serbian authorities to guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and to conduct transparent, impartial investigations into human rights violations. The statement adds to a growing body of international scrutiny directed at democratic conditions in Serbia.