PEN Center condemns Serbian authorities’ repression of peaceful protesters

“These protests represent a struggle against corruption, authoritarianism, breakdown of the institutions, throttling of the freedom of speech, as well as of academic and media freedoms. Students in Serbia are advocating for fundamental democratic freedoms, respect for human rights and liberties, as well as for European values such as the rule of law, responsibility of government and open society,” reads their statement.

They added that “what started as a local student resistance has grown in a symbol of hope for the whole region.”

“Inspiration that this movement offers has crossed the borders of Serbia, as students and citizens in the whole of the former Yugoslav region recognize hope, strength and courage in these young people. Increasing numbers of young people in the region are starting to act inspired by these protests, which is a reflection of the authentic strength and honesty of their resistance,” the statement reads.

They emphasized that they “strongly and decisively condemn all violence and repression directed by the authorities in Serbia at the peaceful protesters.”

“We especially condemn threats and intimidation directed at students, their professors, as well as against public figures who have supported them. All violence against the young people who are fighting for their right to speak, to think and to be educated in a free society must cease. We demand that all political prisoners be immediately released, as well as for the cessation of all criminal prosecutions which are clearly politically motivated and aimed at suppression of free speech and thought in Serbia,” they added.

Members of PEN International said that, “at the time when the authoritarian government is trying to silence and humiliate the bravest among us, our duty as writers and defenders of the freedom of expression is to stand with them.”