EU Voices Concerns Over Violence in Serbian Elections

The European Union voiced strong concerns on Tuesday over reports of violence and irregularities during local elections held across 10 municipalities in Serbia on Sunday, urging authorities to hold those responsible accountable as President Aleksandar Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party claimed victory in all locations.

International monitors, including observers from the Council of Europe, documented incidents outside polling stations, such as heated arguments, threats from large groups of unidentified individuals, some masked, and physical confrontations. The voting process inside stations generally followed regulations, but the external disruptions raised alarms. Several people, including students, journalists, and independent observers, sustained injuries in clashes reported in at least three towns. Witnesses described attacks by groups allegedly linked to pro-government supporters, while ruling party officials accused opposition activists of harassment, leading to the arrest of four individuals for an alleged assault on a party member.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos described the incidents as unacceptable in a social media post, emphasizing that free and fair...