• 2025-01-23

CDF Condemns the Deportation of Civil Society Activists from the Region and the EU

Press release issued by the Centre for Democracy Foundation

The Centre for Democracy Foundation strongly condemns actions taken by Serbian authorities regarding the detainment and deportation of civil society activists from Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Albania, and North Macedonia, who attended the ERSTE Foundation NGO Academy in Belgrade.

The arrest, unfounded questioning, declaration as a “threat to national security,” and subsequent deportation of civic activists are acts of repression. Such moves undermine trust between Serbia and these countries. This could seriously jeopardise collaboration with EU member states, whose activists were deported, as well as Serbia's position in accession negotiations.

For years, civil society in Serbia and the region have made efforts to overcome prejudices, foster reconciliation, and enhance regional cooperation. Therefore, the Centre for Democracy Foundation calls on the authorities of the Republic of Serbia to immediately cease repressive actions, reverse these decisions, issue an apology to those deported, and ensure respect for human rights and freedoms.

Center for Democracy Foundation