Following Jelena Karleuša’s Instagram post, which challenges the right to equality and incites hatred based on Romanian ethnic minority affiliation, the Commissioner for Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, stated that such language is unacceptable and condemnable. Linking the work of state institutions, including the police, prosecution, and judiciary, to the national origin of individuals or groups, and promoting differential treatment, hate, or labeling based on nationality, ethnicity, or any other personal characteristic is dangerous and prohibited by law, the Commissioner warned.
In accordance with the Constitution, all citizens have the right to equal treatment and legal protection without discrimination, the Commissioner emphasized. She reminded the public that the Republic of Serbia is a country of the Serbian people and all its citizens, founded on the rule of law, social justice, the principles of civic democracy, human and minority rights, freedoms, and adherence to European principles and values. The Anti-Discrimination Law explicitly prohibits hate speech and any discriminatory statements, insults, or denigration based on nationality, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics.
As a society, we must recognize that words are not harmless; they carry weight and, when spoken in the public sphere, can have serious consequences. They can easily become tools for spreading hatred and intolerance. Discriminatory attitudes and statements, especially when made by public figures, must not be tolerated, particularly in times when mutual respect and tolerance are increasingly giving way to violence, the Commissioner stressed.
Our fellow citizens, members of the Romanian ethnic minority, hold an equal and significant place in our society, and no one has the right to insult or stigmatize them. I firmly believe that such unacceptable statements by individuals cannot affect our traditionally good neighborly relations with Romania, which are built on foundations of respect, understanding, and cooperation, concluded Janković.
