Serbian Diaspora Assembly calls on EPP to expel SNS from coalition

Members of the Serbian diaspora, many of whom are citizens of European Union (EU) countries, demand that action be taken regarding recent developments in Serbia and the massive escalation of violence and repression against the Serbian people and students by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s regime and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

“We find it shocking that such repression and violation of human rights – in clear breach of both your principles and your Manifesto – can be demonstrated by a member of your coalition without your condemnation,” reads the letter addressed to EPP President Manfred Weber and Secretary General Dolors Montserrat.

The Assembly recalled that the European People’s Party 2024 Manifesto clearly states that the party “stands for a democratic Europe where the people decide, a Europe that upholds its core values, within and beyond its borders, a Europe that guarantees citizens are equal before the law and regains the trust of those who feel unheard or left behind.”

The Assembly also noted that Manifesto reads that the party believes in the European way of life.

“Freedom is key, but freedom without security is an empty word. Our people expect a Europe that makes them feel safe in every facet of their lives. Our people want secure jobs that ensure a good life and support growing families. Our people expect Europe to champion life with freedom, justice and democracy,” reads the letter.

The Assembly said that none of this currently applies in Serbia, where “paramilitary units assist the riot police in brutalizing citizens who peacefully protest against corruption, state-sponsored crime and the hijacking of state institutions by Aleksandar Vucic and his party.”

“Students are beaten up and run over, unidentified plan-clothed villains are kidnapping people on the streets, and taking them to unknown locations. Not even the police can answer where they are being kept,” the Assembly recalled.

They added that “several policemen have swooped up to arrest a young jazz piano student protesting peacefully, sickening beatings are meted out to protesting young women, social media clips show the police bragging about beatings they have committed – as if this is some kind of a dark contest in violence – while other clips reveal sickening, frightening comments the police make about the physical properties of the female protesters.”

“How is it possible that the EPP can keep quiet and actionless in light of the overwhelming evidence of the unraveling of democracy in Serbia in front of our eyes? That is now covered almost daily by many established European and global media. No one can say they are not aware,” said the Assembly.

It emphasized that the only way to resolve the current crisis in Serbia peacefully is through fair elections.

“The alternative is, frankly, given the nature of the Serbian regime, quite grim. The absence of your voice and action in this situation is going to be an irreparable blemish on everything you claim to stand and care for. The people of Serbia have shown immense courage in standing up for freedom. It is time for democratic leaders and institutions in Europe to stand with them,” reads the Serbian Assembly in the Diaspora’s letter to the senior officials of the European People’s Party.