COVID-19 Civic Freedom Tracker
Keep Civic Space Healthy
This tracker monitors government responses to the pandemic that affect civic freedoms and human rights, focusing on emergency laws. For information about our methodology, click here.
For more information and analysis by region, click here.
The COVID-19 Civic Freedom Tracker is a collaborative effort by the ICNL, ECNL, and our global network of partners, with generous research support from the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin. This is an ongoing effort, and we welcome you to email us at adeblock@icnl.org and simona@ecnl.org to share additional resources.
Decree Centralizing the Distribution of Information on the Coronavirus
The decree provided that the Crisis Headquarters led by the Prime Minister is the sole source of information about the pandemic, and that information from unauthorized sources must not be considered accurate or verified. The order also provided for legal consequences for spreading disinformation during the state of emergency. Following criticism of the decree and the arrest of at least one journalist for her reporting on the pandemic, the Prime Minister announced on April 2--less than one week after the decree's introduction--that it would be revoked. (See primary source or citation here)
Introduced 28 Mar 2020
Issue(s): Disinformation, Press Freedom, Expression, Access to Information
Type: order
No. 39 of 2020 Banning Public Indoor Gatherings
The order prohibits public indoor gatherings of more than five people, throughout Serbia, in order to combat the spread of Covid-19. The order provides for limited exceptions, including employees of public institutions. (See primary source or citation here)
Introduced 21 Mar 2020
Issue(s): Assembly
Type: order
Restrictions and Prohibitions on Movement of Persons
The order imposes a curfew from 5pm to 5am on weekdays, during which individuals may not leave their homes, and prohibits elderly persons from leaving their homes except for Saturdays from 4pm to 7pm. The order also prohibits groups of two or more people from standing or moving together in a public place. The order exempts essential workers and citizens seeking medical care. (See primary source or citation here)
Introduced 18 Mar 2020
Issue(s): Assembly, Movement
Type: order
State of Emergency
The decree, issued under Article 200(5) of the Constitution, declares a "state of emergency" throughout Serbia on account of the coronavirus. (See primary source or citation here)
Introduced 15 Mar 2020
Issue(s): Emergency
Type: order