Serbia police can be brutal especially against protesters and journalists who don’t reveal their sources. Forced disappearances and detention continue.
On January 27, 2014 Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby provided the following readout:
“Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met with Serbia’s Minister of Defense Nebojsa Rodic today at the Pentagon, where they discussed opportunities for broadening defense cooperation between the two countries.
“Secretary Hagel was pleased to join Minister Rodic in signing a General Security of Military Information Agreement, which will ensure protection of military information and enable further military-to-military cooperation.
“Secretary Hagel welcomed Serbia’s contribution to peacekeeping efforts and its leadership on the Balkans Medical Task Force. Serbia’s decision to host bilateral and multinational exercises further demonstrates our growing defense relationship.
“Finally, the leaders discussed regional security concerns in the Balkans, and ways to build upon the positive momentum of the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue. Secretary Hagel praised the progress Serbia and Kosovo have made in normalizing relations, and highlighted the positive influence Minister Rodic has had in securing regional cooperation” source: DODhttp://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=16507).
Human rights in Serbia are generally respected by the government, however there have been controversies regarding a number of issues, including police brutality and some violations of human rights. There are also disturbing reports of enforced disappearances and abductions. In addition physical attacks on journalists continues. Especially in those cases where journalists refuse to reveal their sources of information.
Perhaps most disturbing is reports surrounding shipments of arms to Syrian rebels and terrorists from Serbia (source: Croatia: Police Seize Weapons Shipmenthttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/14/world/europe/croatia-police-seize-weapons-shipment.html?_r=0).