WAVE Statement on the Escalating Repression in Serbia

The current wave of protests in Serbia was sparked by a tragic event on November 1, 2024, when the roof of the Novi Sad train station collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 16 people who were simply waiting for their train. In the aftermath, the Serbian government denied any responsibility for the disaster, failing to hold anyone accountable for the loss of life. This denial of justice and accountability deeply shocked the public and galvanised a movement for change. Students, outraged by the government’s inaction and disregard for basic safety and human dignity, organised peaceful protests to honour the victims and demand systemic reform. Their courage quickly inspired and mobilised wider parts of society—citizens, activists, and civil society organizations—to join the demonstrations, calling for justice, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights. Instead of addressing the legitimate concerns of its people, the Serbian government responded with a harsh crackdown: police brutality, arbitrary arrests, intimidation of protesters,¹ and sweeping attacks on civil society.² These actions have marked a dangerous escalation in Serbia’s slide towards a fully consolidated illiberal democracy, where dissent is criminalised and the rule of law is systematically undermined.

WAVE’s Condemnation and Call for Action

As Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE), a feminist network representing over 1,600 women-led civil society organisations across Europe, we stand in unwavering solidarity with our Serbian members, women’s rights defenders, and all citizens of Serbia who are courageously resisting the current wave of repression and violence. This escalating suppression, marked by attacks against protesters, targeting of civil society, and the erosion of democratic institutions, is unacceptable and demands urgent international attention and action.

We unequivocally condemn:

The crackdown on civil society: The Serbian government’s ongoing raids, intimidation, and smear campaigns against NGOs, including the proposed “foreign agents” law, are designed to silence those who defend democracy, human rights, and gender equality.
Suppression of freedom of assembly and protest: Peaceful student-led protests have been met with police brutality, intimidation, and the illegal use of force, including the deployment of an illegal sound weapon in Belgrade during 16 minutes of silence at one of the largest demonstrations in the country’s history.
Attacks on the rule of law: The persistent political interference in the judiciary, arbitrary arrests, and the suspension of the Law on Gender Equality³ represent a fundamental assault on democratic values and women’s rights.
Widespread human rights violations: The targeting of human rights defenders, activists, journalists, students, and especially women and girls, through violence, surveillance, and harassment, is a direct violation of Serbia’s commitments under international human rights law.

The Voices of Our Members: Testimonies from Serbia

The true cost of the repression in Serbia is vividly illustrated by the experiences of our members and youth activists. Over the past decade, the space for women’s and feminist organisations has steadily narrowed, a process that has intensified in recent years through state intimidation, financial inspections, and the looming threat of a Russian-style “foreign agents” law. The chilling effect of these measures has been compounded by the suspension of the Law on Gender Equality⁴, sending a dangerous signal that women’s rights are politically negotiable rather than guaranteed.

As one of our members explains:

“After the police raids, intimidation, and the suspension of the Law on Gender Equality, the space for women’s and feminist organisations has narrowed further. This sends a message that women’s rights are politically negotiable, rather than guaranteed.” — Marija Petronijević, Fenomena Association

The escalation of police brutality during peaceful protests, particularly those led by young people and students, has further exposed the lawlessness now prevailing in Serbia. The targeting of minors, the disregard for legal procedures, and rampant corruption have created an environment of fear and insecurity. The lived reality for many women and girls is especially harsh, as described by another two activists:

“Women and girls have experienced the most brutal forms of violence in this new context. I myself was the target of a car attack at a roadblock. — Marija Srdić, Bravo and feminist activist

The president pardoned thugs who broke the jaw of a female student, and the state never prosecuted those accused of sexual abuse of young women.” — Snežana, WA Sandglass

These testimonies highlight not only the physical dangers faced by women and girls, but also the deep sense of impunity that emboldens perpetrators and silences victims. Yet, despite these threats, the courage and resilience of women, students, and activists continue to illuminate the way forward. As Téa, one of WAVE’s 4^th generation Youth Ambassador’s from our network reminds us:

“During protests, women have been among those injured or affected—highlighting how women often carry a double burden in times of political tension. Their courage and resilience illuminate the way forward.”
— Teodora Milosavljević, WAVE Youth Ambassador, Serbia

These voices underscore the urgent need for solidarity, accountability, and international attention to the ongoing violations of human and women’s rights in Serbia.

The Crucial Responsibility of European Institutions in Condemning Violence and Defending Human Rights in Serbia

The European Parliament’s resolution of 7 May 2025 on Serbia echoes these grave concerns, unequivocally condemning the government’s crackdown on civil society, the suspension of the Law on Gender Equality, and the widespread violations of human rights as fundamentally incompatible with EU values and a major obstacle to Serbia’s EU accession. The resolution highlights the alarming escalation of illegal surveillance, intimidation, and arbitrary detention of activists, journalists, students, and protesters, as well as the targeting of organisations defending democracy and women’s rights. It draws special attention to the disproportionate impact of this repression on women and girls, noting the rollback of legal protections and the increased vulnerability to violence, harassment, and discrimination in an increasingly hostile environment, as well as the public disclosure of personal data and hate speech targeting minorities and women.

Of particular concern is the impact on women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the current climate of repression. The Parliament makes clear that these violations are part of a broader pattern undermining the rule of law and democratic institutions in Serbia and warns that continued abuses and lack of reform will seriously jeopardise Serbia’s path toward EU membership.

WAVE calls on the European Commission, the European Council, and all EU institutions and Member States to use all available mechanisms in the EU accession process to introduce effective checks and balances on the Serbian government and ensure compliance with human rights, gender equality, and democratic standards.

We demand the immediate reinstatement and implementation of the Law on Gender Equality and the full protection of women’s rights defenders and feminist organisations. It is essential that the situation in Serbia is closely monitored and that information about ongoing events is widely disseminated, amplifying the voices of those at risk. We urge all international partners to stand in solidarity with students, activists, and all citizens who are peacefully demanding justice, accountability, and a future free from violence and oppression.

WAVE will continue to disseminate information about events in Serbia and monitor the situation closely. We remain steadfast in our support for students, citizens, and especially women and girls who are at the forefront of the struggle for justice and equality. We remind the international community that Serbia remains a candidate for EU membership, and that respect for human rights and gender equality must not be negotiable.

We urge all MEPs, embassies, and international partners to join us in demanding immediate action and accountability. The rights and safety of women and girls, human rights defenders, and all citizens in Serbia must be protected—now and always.

Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE)
Empowering Women. Ending Violence.