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Extremism seen from the angle of the young
Prijepolje and Sjenica, 27 and 28 April 2015
The Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in
Serbia and its Novi Pazar-based youth group organized youth seminars in
Prijepolje and Sjenica. Sociologist of religion Srđan Barišić discussed
with high school and university students notions such as extremism,
chauvinism, nationalism and patriotism and activities of extremist
groups in Serbia and the symbols that they use. Quoting the examples of
Mahatma Ghandi, Jan Palach and Martin Luther King, Barišić asked the
participants whether non-violent forms of resistance could be viewed as
extremism. Some said, “These were conscious struggles for an idea. The
term extremism can only be used if you endanger someone’s life with your
actions, yet nonviolent resistance is not extremism.” However several
participants thought otherwise replying “I don’t think it is proper to
sacrifice oneself in this manner, because in doing so you also sacrifice
other people’s lives - the lives of their families and future
generations who will look up to your act.”
When asked to define extremism, participants answered
that was “any deviation from decent, appropriate manners and a ‘turn’”
to inappropriate, aggressive behavior that endangers others at the same
time,” “every form of extremely negative behavior directed against
individuals, groups, institutions or ethnic groups,” “any radical
movement that promotes the idea that one group of people is better than
the other and spreads the ideology of violence," “a group of people who
violate human rights and thus disturb peace” or “expressing personal
opinions, impressions and beliefs in an extreme manner and promoting
these as the only possible and acceptable way of life.”
In an open discussion with representatives of the
police, the youth were further informed about current activities of the
police such as the action of legalization of weapons and lectures in
schools. Young people spoke with police officers about asylum seekers,
activities of sports fans, the most common offenses committed by
juveniles and other pressing problems.
The youth also participated in a workshop held by
human rights activist and workshop leader Demir Mekić during which they
developed ideas for a public campaign in local communities. When asked
about the role of young people in local communities, most participants
said they should play an active role in their community and initiate
cultural events. Participants said that the youth should „be active and
try to change the current situation, advocate policy changes at local
level and promote positive life values“ and „take part in
decision-making related to the youth“.
The youth seminars were organized within the project
“Reach out Sandzak II” that Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in
Serbia and its Novi Pazar-based youth group realize with the assistance
from the US Embassy, Belgrade.
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