Vula Tsetsi, Co-Chair of the European Green Party, said:

“We mourn the victims of Novi Sad. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the citizens demanding truth and justice. They have spent the past year calling for accountability, transparency and democratic reform. Europe cannot look away. The structural corruption and political repression of the regime of President Aleksandar Vučić (SNS, associated with European People’s Party) endanger everyone’s future in Serbia, social, economic and environmental. The shortlisting of the students for the Sakharov Prize was a very important step in raising awareness and highlighting the need for action from the EU. The European institutions should put pressure on Vučić to stop the repression, and to allow fair and free elections”

Ciarán Cuffe, Co-Chair of the European Green Party, added:

“The courage of Serbia’s students and civil society gives hope to all who believe in democracy and justice. They deserve full support from Europe, not silence or complacency. Over the past year, demonstrations and vigils have continued across the country despite intimidation and brutal police violence. Protesters are calling for an independent investigation into the tragedy, for those responsible to be held accountable, and for the protection of fundamental rights. The European Greens reiterate their support for these legitimate demands and call on the Serbian authorities to end any form of repression against peaceful demonstrators”.

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