The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights calls on all state authorities and the democratic public to react to the criminal attacks on the freedom of the media and the freedom of expression, and on the personal freedom and safety of Svetlana Lukić and other members of the team producing the cult radio show Peščanik (Hourglass). The Peščanik team has in the years behind us managed to oppose those resorting to violence against people who think differently than they do, those endeavouring to impose their own interpretation of national interests and patriotic chastity upon everyone else. It had done so even amidst the hysteria against consistent advocates raising their voices to preserve democratic values, tolerance and human rights. Peščanik would have been unable to fight this worthy battle if it were not above all for the personal bravery of its two authors, Svetlana Lukić and Svetlana Vuković.The BCHR demands the unhindered and immediate continuation of Peščanik broadcasts in accordance with Serbian law and applicable international agreements protecting the freedom of expression. It expects the police and judiciary to investigate and punish the persons responsible for the demolition of Svetlana Lukić’s car while she was at work, hosting Peščanik.
The state is obliged to protect every individual and all his or her constitutionally guaranteed human rights. The state authorities, moreover, have the special duty to protect people such as Svetlana Lukić, who have been exposed to such pressures and attacks for years.
The BCHR is thus calling on the competent authorities, notably the prosecutors, to investigate also the prior attacks and incidents leading to the disruptions of gatherings organised by the Peščanik team. It takes this opportunity to recall that the courts have failed to open proceedings against the perpetrators of the numerous physical and verbal attacks on the participants in the Peščanik panel discussions, including the one in Aranđelovac last year that led the BCHR to file a criminal report against the organisers of the attack.
