On the occasion of the violence on the streets across Serbia and the alarming reports of excessive use of force by public order authorities, particularly against minors, journalists, and women, including a case in which a police officer threatened a detained female student with sexual assault, Commissioner Brankica Janković strongly condemns such behavior and appeals that this is the last moment to stop such conduct and return to the framework of the Constitution and the law, as otherwise the consequences will be unforeseeable.

The Commissioner reminds that she has long been warning about the dangers of increasing violence and the erosion of trust in institutions. She emphasizes that no one has the right to jeopardize the safety of citizens or the stability of society and the state for personal interests.

Conflicts are already on the streets, public trust has been lost, and people are taking justice into their own hands because those obliged to provide protection have failed to do so. Unequal treatment of citizens and favoritism create resentment, anger, and tensions, whose dramatic and severe forms we are now experiencing.

The key role in resolving the crisis and restoring stability lies with the members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, among whom many perform their duties professionally, as well as all state authorities that must treat citizens equally, regardless of gender, membership in political or trade union organizations, age, political or other beliefs. It is understood that attacks on the police are prohibited, but at the same time every threat must be taken seriously and prosecuted without delay.

No more offensive words, let alone hate speech, should be directed at anyone, especially not by public officials, who bear the greatest responsibility for shaping the social atmosphere and are elected to work in the interest of all. The same responsibility lies with the media, particularly certain outlets, and public officials who target citizens by calling them terrorists, fascists, ustasha, traitors, blockers, or other inappropriate names. Rhetoric that justifies or downplays violence and fosters an atmosphere of fear, humiliation, and impunity is unacceptable.

The Commissioner reminds that, according to Article 1 of the Constitution, the Republic of Serbia is based on the rule of law, social justice, civil democracy, human and minority rights and freedoms, as well as European values. Article 19 of the Constitution stipulates that these principles serve to preserve human dignity and the equality of every individual, while Article 3 of the Law on Public Order and Peace clearly establishes that the police are obliged to ensure equal conditions for the exercise of rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

“This is the last moment to pull ourselves together, let common sense prevail, return to the framework of the Constitution and the law, and urgently establish the broadest possible social dialogue,” emphasizes Commissioner Janković.