One year after police brutality in Serbia: “Valjevo remembers. Europe must not forget”
One year after the police violence against students and citizens in Serbia on the night of 14–15 August 2025, the European Democratic Party has released a video across its social media channels to remember what happened — and to demand accountability.
The video revisits the shocking scenes from Valjevo, where police chased and beat citizens, including minors and people already lying on the ground.
It also recalls the images from Novi Sad, where around fifteen young detainees were filmed inside a police gym, forced to kneel facing a wall with their hands behind their backs as police officers stood over them.
“One year ago, Serbia witnessed a night of shame. Images of violence. Images of humiliation. One year later, no one has been held accountable. Serbia has not forgotten. Europe must not forget either.”
A year later, criminal complaints have been filed against 28 police officers, yet no one has been brought to justice. The case was transferred to Serbia’s Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime only after the local prosecutor came under criticism for failing to conduct an effective investigation.
Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party and Member of the European Parliament, said:
“What happened in Valjevo and Novi Sad cannot be separated from the political system Aleksandar Vučić has built. When citizens are beaten, young people are humiliated and, one year later, no one has been held accountable, this is no longer just a question of police misconduct. It is a question of political responsibility. And that responsibility leads directly to Vučić.”
Gozi continued:
“Serbia is approaching a decisive electoral moment. The next elections must be genuinely free and fair: media pluralism, clean electoral rolls and zero intimidation. Serbian citizens must be free to choose their future.”
“Viktor Orbán believed his illiberal system could last forever. After sixteen years, Hungarian voters proved him wrong. I hope Vučić meets the same democratic fate: defeat at the ballot box. Serbia can be next.”
The European Democratic Party stands in full solidarity with Serbia’s students, citizens, journalists and democratic forces.
Serbia belongs in Europe. Its future must be democratic.
