Zoran Pašalić, the Ombudsman, stated today that insults and threats directed towards the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, clearly confirm that digital platforms are no longer a place for exchanging opinions, but a space for settling scores with opponents, whose consequences usually reflect on real life.

„Digital violence is our reality and there is no doubt about it. The problem is that public speech delivered in such a manner is not sanctioned, at least not to a sufficient extent, even though it falls under criminal policy. Justification cannot be sought in restricting freedom of expression, because that fundamental human right, besides ethical considerations, also has normative limitations to prevent any abuse and legitimize hate speech,“ Pašalić said, as stated in the press release.

The Ombudsman stressed that no right can be more important than the right to life and integrity of every individual.

As stated, this is also why Serbia, like all democratic societies, besides constitutional, criminal, and other regulations within their domain of protecting dignity and reputation of individuals, as well as public order and peace, respects the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights regarding obligations and responsibilities that should accompany freedom of expression to protect the rights of others.

The Ombudsman mentioned that sanctioning inappropriate behavior in the public sphere should also contribute to raising awareness that social networks not only shape the way individuals and groups communicate, but also influence society as a whole, forming its culture, values, and codes of conduct.