On Tuesday, a number of civil society groups politely urged Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to consider cancelling the upcoming Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) rally in Belgrade on May 26.
A request was made to the president to consider cancelling the mass gathering due to concerns about the potential for increased tension and division in society. The recent loss of 18 lives, many of whom were young people, should not be used as a means for political posturing or gaining support. Rather, it should serve as a reminder for the government to prioritize the healing of society and implement measures to prevent future tragedies.
According to the statement, the concerned members of the public expressed their anger peacefully on the streets of Belgrade and urged for the provision of basic security measures to ensure the safety of their children and themselves and to put an end to the increasing violence.
The statement was signed by a group of esteemed organizations including the Belgrade Center for Human Rights, CRTA, Catalyst Balkan, Center for Contemporary Politics, Civic Initiatives, Youth Initiative for Human Rights, Partners Serbia, Slavko Curuvija Foundation and the Renewables and Environmental Regulatory Institute.
