(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JUN 24 - The Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly expresses "serious concerns about Serbia's adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for civil liberties," in a report approved by a large majority—89 votes in favour, 13 against, and 4 abstentions—during the ongoing plenary session in Strasbourg. The document expresses the Assembly's concern "about a political context characterised by strong polarisation and persistent tensions between the government and the ruling majority, on the one hand, and the political opposition, the student movement, and civil society, on the other." Parliamentarians condemn police use of force, arbitrary arrests, and ill-treatment in detention during the November 2024 demonstrations following the collapse of the Novi Sad train station shelter. These demonstrations lasted until the end of 2025, igniting a student movement for transparency, justice, and early elections. They also criticised "the alleged use of a sonic weapon to disperse the crowd during the mass demonstration held in Belgrade on March 15, 2025." The assembly thus calls on the authorities to "avoid the undue use of force against protesters" and to investigate all reported cases. It also urges the authorities to put an end to retaliation and intimidation against activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and independent media outlets, as well as to create a conducive environment for their work. (ANSA).