The Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe, Michael O’Flaherty, has voiced significant concern regarding reports suggesting that criminal proceedings against several police officers may be suspended or dismissed. These proceedings relate to allegations of severe mistreatment involving a student during public demonstrations that took place in Belgrade in January 2025. In a public statement, O’Flaherty addressed the potential withdrawal of the investigations.
He stressed that the circumstances surrounding the allegations—which involve the use of force by law enforcement during demonstrations—are highly sensitive, as they pertain to citizens exercising fundamental rights to assembly and free expression. The Commissioner emphasized that the potential halting of criminal inquiries into alleged serious misconduct by police officers raises substantial concerns. Such developments, according to O’Flaherty, could undermine accountability mechanisms designed to protect citizens during periods of public protest.
The focus of the concern centers on ensuring that due process is maintained when allegations of misconduct by state agents are raised in the context of civil unrest. O’Flaherty’s comments underscore the importance of robust oversight when law enforcement actions are scrutinized following large-scale protests in Belgrade. The Commissioner urged that any decision regarding the continuation of these legal processes be made transparently, upholding the rule of law in relation to the rights of demonstrators.
Topics: #police #protests #belgrade
The Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe, Michael O’Flaherty, has expressed significant concern regarding reports suggesting the potential suspension or dismissal of criminal proceed
What are the grounds for potentially suspending or dismissing the criminal proceedings against the police officers?