Serbian lawyers launch 30-day strike supporting student protests

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The Serbian Bar Association voted Sunday during an emergency assembly to suspend work for 30 days in solidarity with student protesters and to address growing concerns over legal independence.

The Association said the strike aims to support student demands while also protesting what the association describes as threats to the rule of law and the autonomy of Serbia’s legal profession.

During the stoppage, lawyers will maintain minimal services to ensure their clients’ fundamental rights and interests remain protected.

Lawyer Aleksandar Olenik said that the strike has stopped President Aleksandar Vucic from further abusing the judiciary.

“Alongside the students’ demands, we are also calling for the removal of the presidents of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, the High Prosecutorial Council and High Council of the Judiciary , as well as the Prosecutor General. It is time for all other professions to join in,” Olenik wrote on X.