Serbian opposition asks EU for sanctions against Vučić, Macut, Dačić and Brnabić

At the debate on Serbia in the European Parliament, Serbian MPs made clear demands to the European Union, reports N1.

Borko Stefanović, from the Freedom and Justice Party (SSP), said that the European Commission is slowly realizing what the problem is, and that it is Aleksandar Vučić. He also mentioned the president's pressure on free media.

"We have nervous reactions from our regime, a spiral of violence is spreading in society. Vučić is ready to bring the country to the brink of death. The EC is starting to understand the problem that exists in Serbia, which is that we have Vučić's regime that is flattering your institutions and which has no intention of bringing Serbia into the EU because that would be the downfall of his regime and him. This is a call to accountability, the fight against corruption, free media, unlike today when he is trying to close down N1 and Nova televisions," he said in his address to MEPs.

"Freedom is ours, and the EU is here to help us"

He specifically referred to the need to organize early elections, and Biljana Đorđević on behalf of the Green-Left Front also put forward other demands. Among them are sanctions against Aleksandar Vučić, Ana Brnabić, Ivica Dačić and Đuro Macut, reports N1.

"By favoring stability over democracy, the EU is enabling the SNS to create an authoritarian state in Serbia, portraying the EU as anti-Serbian and weak. This has led to the lowest level of support for the EU from Serbian citizens... We demand a clear condemnation of police brutality, to put pressure on the regime in Serbia, we want sanctions, a travel ban, a freezing of the assets of key actors in the regime - Brnabić, Vučić, Macut, Dačić, from police officers to officials who carried out torture, an investigation into whether European taxpayers' money is being used to corrupt the regime, pressure on the regime to accept elections as a solution to the crisis," she stated during her address to the MPs.

Stefanović stated: "We must have early elections and we propose elections at all levels. We must go to them united, in coordination with all stakeholders, including students. We want elections, with pressure on the regime to prevent them from stealing votes and beating people. You must understand that our freedom is ours, and the EU is here to help us, and a special message is for the EPP - it is a charade because Vučić slandered MEPs, it is a shame that Vučić is a member of your family."

Pavle Grbović, on behalf of the Movement of Free Citizens, pointed out that words from the EU are no longer enough.

"Words are not enough. The EC and member states must call out the regression of democracy. Do not punish Serbia and its citizens, the target of criticism and measures must be those who are truly responsible for the collapse of democracy," he said.

Zdravko Ponoš, representing SRCE, spoke about the sonic boom, the growing violence and brutality of the police and the regime.

"Don't be disappointed with Serbia because there is no reason, be disappointed with Vučić," he said.

"They're watching us on TV in Serbia, it's time to send a message"

EP members also spoke about the situation in Serbia, according to N1.

"The EP has always been clear and vocal about the situation in Serbia. We have condemned the regression of democracy, pressure on the media and the weakening of the rule of law. We have also condemned the shocking escalation of violence against citizens by the police. Peaceful protests are not a crime and they are the foundation of democracy. I also salute the youth of Serbia, we remember cycling to Strasbourg and running to Brussels - they carried the message of determination to live in a democratic and European Serbia," said Green MP Vladimir Prebilič.

He added: "They are watching us on TV in Serbia today. This is an opportunity to send a message that the world has noticed, that Europe is listening, that the EU sees you and that we stand with you."

MEP Helmut Brandstätter also spoke.

"I admire you. You are a great example for us, in our democracies (students). As for the media, I want to tell the Serbian media that you are not politicians, but media and you should report. I expect strong support for Vučić from the EC. Serbia must be part of the EU, but it cannot become part of the Vučić regime," the MP said.