Antonijević: Political war is no justification for discrimination

BELGRADE – The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality in Serbia, Milan Antonijević, on Monday called on citizens, political parties, candidates and other participants in the electoral process to send his institution pre-election materials and messages they consider hate speech, harassment or persecution on the basis of political beliefs, or any other form of discrimination based on personal characteristics.

In a statement published today, Antonijević stressed that the Commissioner will examine, within his competencies, claims indicating possible discrimination and will take the measures provided by law.

He underlined that freedom of political expression and political activity is an important part of the democratic process, but it does not imply discrimination, harassment or degrading treatment of anyone on the basis of political beliefs or personal characteristics.

The Commissioner’s appeal comes on the eve of early elections in Serbia, in a tense political climate where public debate has sharpened significantly.