Statement by the European Economic and Social Committee on the arrest of Mr Boško Savković in Serbia

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We are deeply concerned about the recent developments in Serbia where Mr Savković, the Co-chair of the EU-Serbia Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), was detained by the Serbian authorities following peaceful protests in Belgrade.

The Constitution of the Republic of Serbia guarantees the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression to all citizens of Serbia. While the Committee does not condone any form of hate speech or speech that incites violence, the fundamental values of freedom of speech and assembly cannot and should never be compromised, even when they do not align with the government's positions.

The EESC has over the years built rich and productive links with the Serbian civil society, which we consider to be Serbia's valuable asset on its EU path. We therefore very strongly condemn the arrest of Mr Boško Savković. We know him as a man of conviction and integrity, whose main objectives are the well-being and prosperity of his country and its citizens.

We urge the Serbian authorities to properly investigate the case in view of Mr Savković immediate release.

President of the European Economic and Social Committee, Oliver Röpke
President of the External Relations Section of the European Economic and Social Committee, Dimitris Dimitriadis 

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