We are horrified by the recent arrests in Serbia following the anti-lithium mining protests.

Despite their peaceful stance, activists Ivan Bjelić, Nikola Ristić, and Jevđenije Julijan Dimitrijević were unjustly imprisoned after participating in demonstrations to protect Serbia's environment from harmful mining practices. Though they have now been released, this crackdown highlights the Serbian government's alarming attempts to restrict freedom of speech and silence those who dare to stand up for their rights.

Tens of thousands of protestors gathered in Belgrade, demanding a nationwide ban on lithium mining to protect their land and communities. Yet, instead of listening to their voices, the government responded with arrests, smear campaigns, and intimidation.

We stand in solidarity with the activists in Serbia. The fight for Serbia’s liberal future and its people’s rights is far from over. Now more than ever, we must support those who stand up for a sustainable and just future, and their freedom of speech.