German government on protests: We are closely monitoring the situation in Serbia, demanding clarification on attacks on demonstrators and journalists

(Patria) - The German federal government warns the Serbian government to respect the principles of the rule of law. Freedom of assembly must be guaranteed.

The German government has asked the authorities in Serbia for clarification on attacks against demonstrators and journalists during anti-government protests. Especially considering that Serbia is a candidate for EU membership, the country is "obligated to adhere to the principles of the rule of law," stated a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Berlin. In this context, the federal government also insists on ensuring freedom of assembly.

"We are monitoring the situation in Serbia very closely," said deputy government spokesperson Steffen Majer. Majer rejected accusations that Berlin is ignoring democratic shortcomings in Serbia for the sake of economic interests.

"There can be no talk of silence," he stated. The reason for these criticisms is a joint plan by the Serbian government and the EU to open one of the largest lithium deposits in Europe in Jadar, in the west of the country. Mass protests have been held against this mine.

During protests against President Aleksandar Vučić and his government, there have been violent clashes between demonstrators and the police, as well as between demonstrators and Vučić's supporters, on several occasions in recent weeks. Independent media in Serbia link the latest escalation to provocateurs from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Allegedly, with the help of the police and security services, they are provoking violent incidents at demonstrations, reports Zeit.de.

Waves of protests began back in November last year, when 16 people died in Novi Sad after the canopy of the railway station collapsed. The demonstrations then began with demands to uncover the causes of the accident, and later turned into a mass revolt against the authorities and widespread corruption. The largest protest to date was held in mid-March, when about 300,000 people, mostly students and young people, took to the streets.

Protests have strengthened again in recent days, not only in Belgrade but also in Novi Sad and Valjevo. Numerous arrests and injuries occurred on this occasion. The police have been accused of excessive use of force and arbitrary arrests. In addition, anti-government demonstrators have repeatedly been targeted by attacks from masked government supporters.

Last week, Vučić announced severe consequences for protest participants. He has repeatedly claimed, without any evidence, that the protests, which have been ongoing for months, are allegedly orchestrated by the West with the aim of destabilizing Serbia.