UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Wednesday urged renewed efforts to ensure accountability for the canopy collapse and the deaths of 16 people at Novi Sad Train Station on November 1, 2024, saying it was crucial to restore public trust in institutions and uphold the rule of law.
“There has been no meaningful process to uncover the truth and seek justice for the tragedy that resulted in the deaths of 16 people at the Novi Sad railway station. This, despite the ongoing demands from tens of thousands of individuals who have taken to the streets, calling for justice,” The UN Human Rights Office quoted Turk as saying.
He added that, “even worse, many allegations of violent attacks and arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters and journalists during demonstrations have not been investigated and remain unpunished. On the contrary, such incidents continue to recur.”
The Human Rights Chief reiterated the need for prompt, transparent, independent, and effective investigations into the collapse of the Novi Sad train station canopy to be pursued to conclusion, as legal proceedings against those allegedly responsible have stalled.
He also emphasized the importance of prompt and impartial investigations into all allegations of arbitrary arrests and detentions, and the unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by law enforcement during demonstrations.
Turk stressed Serbia’s obligation to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and thereby ensure that measures to maintain public order go no further than the strict limitations on them set out in human rights law.
“The full enjoyment of rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental to a well-functioning, democratic society, and become especially vital in a deeply polarized environment,” the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasized.
Source: N1
