12 July 2026
Violence against Vladimir Arsenijević is a disgrace for Serbia
The European Movement in Serbia and the Center for Regionalism strongly condemn physical assault on writer and cultural figure Vladimir Arsenijević, which took place in Belgrade on 11 July, ahead of commemoration for the victims of the Srebrenica genocide.
Vladimir Arsenijević is a laureate of the “Živorad Kovačević” Award, presented for an outstanding contribution to good-neighbourly relations and regional cooperation. Through his longstanding work, he has contributed to dialogue, tolerance, a culture of remembrance and stronger connections among people across the region.
The attack against him constitutes an attack on freedom of expression, peaceful civic engagement and the fundamental values of a democratic society. It is particularly disturbing that the assault took place in the context of commemorating the anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, thereby sending an unequivocal message of intimidation. Any attempt to suppress remembrance, dialogue and public expression is contrary to democratic principles, the rule of law and the European values, upon which Serbia must be founded.
Such violence is a disgrace for Serbia and unworthy of a country that claims to aspire to membership of the European Union and to belong to its democratic community. We call upon the competent authorities to identify and prosecute the perpetrators without delay and to transparently investigate all the circumstances surrounding the attack.
We express our full support and solidarity with Vladimir Arsenijević.
