EUROPEAN DEMOCRATS: Vučić, you coward, come down from your palace and look the mother in the eye! Do not hide behind the police and bribed masses!

The Secretary General of the European Democratic Party, Sandro Gozi, held a strong speech regarding last night’s conflicts in front of the Serbian Parliament and the hunger strike of Dijana Hrka. Gozi directed strong criticism at the regime of Aleksandar Vučić, describing the scenes from the center of Belgrade as a shame for the people in power in Serbia.

We convey his words in their entirety:

“The courage of Dijana Hrka, a mother who is starving in the name of justice after losing her son in the Novi Sad tragedy, shames those who are in power in Serbia. She continues her hunger strike in front of the National Assembly, demanding truth, justice and accountability — for her son and for all victims.

Last night, the Serbian police once again showed that they are not neutral. In the face of a mother’s pain, they allowed hooligans, who are reported to be mobilized from the circle of President Vučić, to approach her, play loud music, set off fireworks and throw firecrackers — a grotesque act of intimidation.

And when the arrests followed, those who protected the mother were arrested, not those who harassed her. That is not law enforcement — that is political repression and moral collapse.

President Vučić, if there is even a shred of courage in you, do not hide behind the police and hired masses. Come down from your palace, face this mother and look her in the eye.

Because politics should mean having the courage to take responsibility — not the cowardice to run away from it.”