The Guardian’s Post

Corruption thrives where the rule of law falters. The Ten Principles of Fighting Corruption emphasize that without robust accountability mechanisms and strong legal frameworks, governments create breeding grounds for corruption. Serbia's recent events remind us that effective anti-corruption measures must start with a government commitment to transparency and the rule of law. The cost of ignoring these principles? Social unrest and erosion of public trust. #FightCorruption #RuleOfLaw #AccountableGovernance #AntiCorruption #GoodGovernance https://lnkd.in/dR-95UXp

The recent student-led protests in Serbia, culminating in Prime Minister Miloš Vučević's resignation, underscore a critical lesson: when the rule of law is weak, and accountability is lacking, corruption flourishes, leading to inevitable social unrest. Governments are responsible for fostering environments where corruption can thrive or be curtailed. University students, as the leaders of tomorrow, play a pivotal role in driving societal change and are instrumental in combating corruption. Their activism challenges the status quo and serves as a catalyst for broader societal reforms. The American Anti-Corruption Institute outlines the Ten Principles of Fighting Corruption, which provide a comprehensive framework for reducing corruption to minimal levels. These principles, which emphasize the pervasiveness of the rule of law, effective governance, and accountability, resonate strongly with recent events in Serbia. Governments worldwide must recognize that neglecting these principles undermines public trust and jeopardizes societal stability. Proactive adherence to anti-corruption frameworks is essential for sustainable development and the well-being of nations. https://lnkd.in/drUZdf7k

Read our Joint Statement regarding the ongoing political situation in Serbia, which could represent a turning point for the country. Many thanks to JEF Europe for standing with the youth of Serbia Forum mladih EPuS. Young people in Serbia are wholeheartedly fighting for the fulfilment of essential demands directed at relevant institutions, which now face a critical test: will they meet even the minimum standards of fundamental democratic principles by serving the citizens and ensuring justice, or reveal themselves as entirely captured and operating solely in the interest of the ruling elite?  Through its action and engagement during this critical juncture, the EU will have the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to supporting Serbia’s path toward a truly democratic society—one where citizens’ rights and freedoms are upheld, and institutions function independently and effectively. Alternatively, its approach could be perceived as an acceptance of the status quo, potentially allowing governance challenges and corruption to persist, with far-reaching and unfortunate consequences for the whole region. https://lnkd.in/dNjCH8ef

🚨 Warning: This video may be upsetting. This is Serbia today—a country that is literally killing its own future (students). In the video, you see brave students demanding justice and the rule of law. It has been three months since the collapse of a canopy in Novi Sad, where 15 people lost their lives—an result of corruption and incompetence. In response, students across Serbia have mobilized in an unprecedented way. They have blocked 62 out of 80 universities and hold daily 15-minute commemorations in city squares to honor the victims. Their courage, however, has been met with violence and intimidation: arrests, beatings, threats from criminals, even being run over by cars. The media has publicly shared personal details, including passports (belonging to two students who are EU citizens), putting these students at further risk. Additionally, they have targeted one of the students by spreading fake medical reports about her. Meanwhile, national television has invited zero students to speak about these protests. This is a country aspiring to join the EU, and failing to uphold the basic values of justice, accountability, and democracy. Video by: Naim Leo BEŠIRI #PodrskaStudentima #StopViolence

🇷🇸 Serbia stands at a critical crossroads. Tens of thousands of students have taken to the streets, demanding accountability and justice in the face of systemic corruption and institutional decay, as the ruling apparatus grips for power even tighter. These protests are not just about recent tragedies—they reflect years of frustration with governance failures and the rise of so called “soft autocracy” (google or chatgpt it). 🇪🇺 Meanwhile, the European Union remains eerily silent. This silence isn’t new. It reflects a troubling double standard where “regional stability” often takes precedence over supporting democracy and the rule of law. 🔗 Although written years ago, the article below remains highly relevant today, offering crucial insights into the roots of this paradox and Serbia’s current challenges. ⁉️ Why does this matter to you? Serbia is an EU candidate. The EU’s inaction not only undermines its credibility but also sets a dangerous precedent in a world where we see basic human rights increasingly sidelined in favor of geopolitical agendas and populism. 🐾 Lastly, an honorable mention to Dona, a loyal and beloved dog who tragically lost her life after being run over by a reckless driver storming through the crowds during a peaceful protest. Several students have been injured by raging drivers on multiple occasions. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the price of freedom, paid with innocent lives. #studenti #blokada #protesti #studentiublokadi #nijenadlezan #dona #srbija

Horrific scenes in England and NI. Now targeting fellow lawyers. If my firm can assist any lawyers or law firms who have been affected in any way, please let me know. Time for solidarity against this thuggery. I have no problems with potentially legitimate protests against illegal immigration. However, this has become an outright attack by a violent minority on anyone who is seemingly non-Anglo-Saxon. All stemming from misinformation. Certainly reminded me of my childhood growing up in Southall, West London during the riots in the late 1970's and the daily less than friendly encounters with the local neo-Nazi's. There is a significant lack of education as to why there was mass immigration to this country following the granting of independence to many of the colonies in the 1950's and 1960's. Unfortunately, the causes and effect of the British Nationality Act 1948 are simply not taught in our schools. This is a huge oversight. In simple terms, we are here because you were there. This has created modern Britain. In addition, there is simply not enough education about the contribution of immigrants to the empire and now this country. Families lost loved ones in successive world wars, worked like slaves to build infrastructure for the empire and when in this country have mainly paid taxes, worked in lowly jobs others did not wish to do and contributed in all other spheres of life to create the rich, diverse and tolerant nation we all call home today. How these thugs can do the Nazi salute in a country where we remember our war veterans and what they fought for with immense pride is beyond me. I am not sure how I even begin to explain all of this to my three children, who must be bewildered and confused by what they see on their media channels. I take solace in the fact that this mob are the minority and that the majority of us British are and will continue to be kind, respectful and decent. Our togetherness is our strength. #modernbritain #riots #law https://lnkd.in/efBrE3Ws

The current situation in Bangladesh is extraordinary and unprecedented. For 16 years, authorities have silenced dissent through force, coercion, brutality, and unlawful acts. Initially, the protests aimed only to abolish government job quotas. Despite the economy’s alarming decline, the government falsely claims significant growth. Unemployment is high, economic diversity is absent, inflation erodes earnings, and taxes yield no benefits. The government’s perception of economic growth is perplexing. Negotiation could have resolved the protests easily, but the government chose to delay and use the judiciary as a scapegoat, which they control. With no trustworthy judicial system, where can people seek justice? Instead of common sense, the government deployed police, army, and military forces against students. They declared a shoot-on-sight order, resulting in at least 250 deaths, including over 30 children. The true toll could be much higher, maybe as much as 5 times. More than 20,000 were injured, many left with lifelong disabilities. The forces used helicopters, UN vehicles, snipers, and executed people at close range. Such brutality is reserved for terrorists, not innocent students. To conceal their actions, the government shut down the internet, but information still leaked. They undermined the intelligence of the people regarding technology. They imposed curfews, raided homes, and jailed over 20,000 students and citizens on false charges. This mirrors their suppression of the opposition through imprisonment and torture. The funny thing was there was no remorse, no apologies, no responsibilities taken. Also, they thought they could hide behind their student political pets and use them as a shield for everything. The situation is no better than the Israel-Palestine situation. I guess being a puppet of India and being in power because of their influence made the government feel invincible. Yet, the students persisted, standing against fear. What began as a simple protest has evolved into a national revolution. The movement now includes everyone opposing a government in power through fraudulent elections, disconnected from the people, and serving only their agenda. It’s time for positive change. A nation without freedom of speech, where social media posts can land you in jail, cannot be called a democracy. The downfall of this dictatorship is imminent, but the opposition consists of outdated leaders stuck in the past too. 1971 is history now and we can't use that sentiment and ideals as an emotional tool now to form our country's north star. We need new leadership, freedom, and a fresh start. A fresh chapter that can keep up with a world that is revolving at an exponential rate. A nation that can stand strong on its own against larger nations like India, who have been discriminating against us for so long. We are on the brink of a new chapter. Let our nation's innate fighting spirit guide us to our immense potential.

ll Facts and Figures about Students Movement and Bangladesh Situation ll

Universities (and any other businesses) must stop investing in companies strongly related to weapons and technologies being sold to the apartheid regime. Be careful where to send your kids studying as you dont want to be indirectly complicit with the ethno supremacist genocidal regime. #savethechildren #peaceforall #alllivesmatter #stopthegenocide #stoptheapartheid #stoptheethniccleansing https://lnkd.in/dDCT_sDb