ATHENS

Serbia slammed Germany on Monday for accusing it of failing to “support the rule of law and human rights” by persecuting activists.

Responding to a post on X by the German Foreign Ministry claiming that the situation in Serbia “remains deeply worrying,” with activists facing attacks and smear campaigns for raising their voices, Serbia’s Foreign Ministry said on X that “Serbia expects all of its partners, including Germany, to approach such matters with due respect for Serbia’s sovereignty and democratic institutions.”

Stressing that Serbia, as a European Union candidate state, remains committed to fulfilling its obligations, it added: “But it also expects fairness and mutual respect in the discourse on these important issues.”

“The Republic of Serbia remains fully committed to upholding democratic values, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights, as fundamental principles of our society and our European path. Serbia has a vibrant and diverse political and media landscape where differing opinions can be expressed freely,” the ministry added.

The German Foreign Ministry said earlier on its official X account that “activists are facing attacks and defamatory campaigns over voice-raising. The media and politicians should act responsibly. Serbia is a candidate for the EU, and as such, we expect it to support the rule of law and human rights."