EC spox Pisonero expresses concern over detention of Serbian journalist

“We are concerned by the reports that the detention of Bosko Savkovic has been prolonged for 30 days, following his participation in the peaceful protest held last Saturday (3 June),” Pisonero told N1.

Savkovic was arrested for carrying a banner at the protest which included an effigy of President Aleksandar Vucic hanging with string around the neck. Prosecutors charged him with inciting a violent overthrow of the authorities and ordered him held for 30 days to prevent Savkovic from influencing witnesses and possibly repeating the crime. Savkovic is the third journalist arrested after taking part in the Serbia Against Violence protests which began after the two mass shootings in a Belgrade elementary school and villages outside the town of Mladenovac.

Pisonero said that freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental EU rights which need to be protected and added that the EU expects the right to liberty and security to be upheld.

“Any measure of deprivation of liberty must be justified and proportionate. Any such measure imposed on the basis of the expression of political views is problematic under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. We expect the swift investigation of this case in line with the national legislation and relevant international and European standards in view of ensuring that Mr Savković’s rights are fully upheld,” Pisonero told N1.