The civil society organizations – Belgrade Center for Human Rights, Civic Initiatives, Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights – YUCOM, Initiative A11, FemPlatz, and CRTA – announce that by Monday, March 17, 2025, at 12 noon, they had received over 3,000 testimonies from citizens of Serbia. These testimonies relate to the events of March 15, 2025, in central Belgrade, specifically in the area from Slavija Square to Terazije and the surrounding streets, during the 15-minute silence that began at 7 p.m.
We also announce that representatives of the Belgrade Center for Human Rights spoke today with members of the Criminal Police Directorate of the MOI of the Republic of Serbia. They informed us that they are acting on the request of the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade regarding case number KTR 3383/25. During our conversation, we emphasized that, since Saturday evening, a large number of citizens have been continuously reaching out to us. They have described the event, reported health problems and physical injuries, and sought advice. We also informed the authorities that we have been advising citizens to seek medical attention if they experience any health issues or symptoms of harm, as it remains unclear what means were used and what potential effects they may have on people’s health. Finally, during our conversation with the Criminal Police Directorate, we stressed that the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade should publicly invite citizens to help establish the truth about what happened and what means were used during the 15-minute silence. We suggested that citizens be encouraged to contact the prosecutor’s office and, if they wish, submit video recordings, testimonies, and medical documentation of their injuries – whether from the stampede or the effects of an unknown device or technology. Members of the Criminal Police Directorate informed us that the competent prosecutor stated they need victims’ testimonies for further action in this case.
Civil society organizations thank the citizens of Serbia for their trust and willingness to share their experiences and testimonies about the event that suddenly interrupted the 15-minute silence for the victims of the eave collapse in Novi Sad, causing widespread anxiety. We emphasize that during our conversation with the police, no personal information about citizens was disclosed or forwarded. This was done to protect privacy and prevent any information leaks, especially since many individuals contacted us anonymously or were willing to share their accounts without revealing their identities. To ensure proper legal proceedings, it is crucial that the competent prosecutor’s office promptly invites citizens to provide information relevant to establishing the facts of what exactly happened, while guaranteeing their protection and confidentiality. As always, civil society organizations remain committed to respecting, protecting, and defending human rights, and we remain committed to upholding the trust that the citizens of Serbia have entrusted to us.
