ZAGREB, Croatia – On Thursday, Croatian authorities issued a warning to citizens, advising them to delay any non-essential travel to Serbia following the deportation of five Croatian activists. These activists were in Belgrade for a meeting involving various civil society groups when they were detained by local police. Upon their detention, the activists claimed they were not provided with any explanations, aside from a document indicating they posed a security threat to Serbia.
The Croatian government expressed strong opposition to this deportation, demanding clarification from Serbian officials. Additionally, Croatia’s foreign ministry cautioned its citizens to be prudent and monitor ongoing developments regarding the “inappropriate and baseless” treatment of their nationals in Serbia.
In response, the Serbian foreign ministry characterized Croatia’s reaction as “inappropriate,” asserting that the activists were handled in alignment with legal processes and established international standards. They also questioned why other Croatian nationals in Serbia had not faced similar issues and were being welcomed instead. Furthermore, the statement sought clarification on the true activities of the activists during their time in Serbia.
The tensions between Croatia and Serbia have escalated over recent accusations from Serbia’s populist government. They have alleged, without providing proof, that Croatian security forces were responsible for a series of protests by students demanding accountability for a tragic incident on November 1, which led to the collapse of a concrete structure. Croatian Interior Minister Davor Božinovi? expressed doubt about the legitimacy of Serbian authorities’ explanations concerning the incident, particularly in light of similar occurrences in recent weeks.
In recent months, Serbian law enforcement has reportedly denied entry or expelled various foreign nationals under claims that they compromise national security. This week, in addition to the Croatian activists, individuals from Romania, Slovenia, Bosnia, and North Macedonia who participated in a workshop were similarly deported, according to reports from human rights organizations in Serbia. HRT state television noted that the Croatian activists have been barred from entering Serbia for a year.
The historic rivalry between Croatia and Serbia has been fraught with tension stemming from the violent dissolution of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The backdrop for these current tensions also involves the tragic collapse of a building in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people and spurred significant anti-corruption protests. Many in Serbia attribute the tragedy to corruption and inadequate renovations.
On Friday, striking students in Serbia plan to initiate a general strike, while President Aleksandar Vu?i? has scheduled a large counter-rally for the same day in the town of Jagodina. Prominent human rights organizations in Serbia have condemned the recent detentions and deportations of foreign activists, citing this as a sign of growing governmental repression.
Vu?i?, who has been accused of diminishing democratic freedoms during his over ten years in power, paradoxically pledged to pursue EU membership during his leadership. Reports from protesting activists and students highlight ongoing state pressure, including intimidation and interrogation by security services, a claim that Vu?i? has denied.
