Alarming use of force on children in Serbia’s government protests

Eurochild member MODS (The Network of Organisations for Children of Serbia) expresses deep concern over the increasing number of reports regarding the treatment of children by state authorities, particularly in the case of the minor V.J. from Novi Sad.

According to available information, V.J. is suspected of committing the criminal offense of assaulting an official. The criminal complaint states that, while putting up posters, he pushed a police officer who was trying to identify him. Videos circulating on social media show that he was arrested by several individuals in civilian clothing, without clear identification or uniforms. V.J. was taken into custody and brought before an investigative judge, who rejected the prosecutor’s proposal to place him in detention for 30 days.

MODS emphasises that the very fact that criminal proceedings are being conducted against a child is alarming, as is the consideration of detention as a measure, although, under both domestic and international law, the deprivation of liberty of a child must be a last resort, applied only when absolutely necessary. According to Article 37 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the arrest, detention, or imprisonment of a child shall conform to the law and shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate time.

We are particularly concerned about numerous testimonies regarding the apprehension of young people by unidentified individuals in civilian clothing who do not introduce themselves and transport them to unknown locations. Such actions create an atmosphere of fear and legal uncertainty and seriously undermine trust in institutions.

MODS reminds that the State, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, is obliged to provide special protection to children, including:

• the right to freedom of expression (Article 13),
• the right to freedom of peaceful assembly (Article 15),
• protection from all forms of violence (Article 19),
• as well as protection from arbitrary deprivation of liberty (Article 37).

All actions involving children must comply with the principles of the Convention, particularly regarding proportionality, legality, transparency, and respect for the dignity of the child. Establishing a practice in which children and youth may be subjected to intimidation, arbitrary detention, or criminal prosecution for peacefully expressing their opinions is unacceptable. Such a practice contradicts the legal obligations of the Republic of Serbia and the values of a democratic society that should foster the participation of children and young people in public life.

MODS calls on all relevant institutions – the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, the Ombudsman, and other relevant actors – to urgently investigate all allegations of police misconduct, ensure full protection of children’s rights, and transparently inform the public about the outcomes of these proceedings. They also urge institutions to take proactive measures to prevent further violations of the rights of children and youth.

For further information:

• Look at our campaign on fighting anti-rights movements 
• Listen to our podcast episodes on the attacks on civil society and shrinking funds.