**Serbian Authorities Expel Croatian Doctor for Criticizing President’s Visit**
The Serbian government has taken an unusual step in expelling a doctor who spoke out against the country’s president. Dr. Arien Stojanovic Ivkovic, a 40-year-old Croatian national living in Belgrade with her Serbian husband and child, was handed an order to leave Serbia within seven days.
According to reports, Dr. Ivkovic was summoned to the Internal Affairs Ministry, where police officials presented her with a document revoking her residence and work permit. The reason given for this drastic measure is that security bodies assessed she poses an “unacceptable security risk” to the country. However, the ministry’s explanation provides little insight into what exactly prompted this decision.
**A Pattern of Repression?**
This incident raises concerns about freedom of speech in Serbia. Dr. Ivkovic was merely expressing her opinion on President Aleksandar Vucic’s visit to patients with severe burns from North Macedonia. The fact that she, a long-time resident and medical professional, is being punished for her criticism suggests a pattern of repression.
It appears that the government is using an obscure law on foreigners as justification for this expulsion. This development has sparked fears among human rights groups and foreign nationals living in Serbia about their own vulnerability to similar treatment.
**Consequences for Dr. Ivkovic**
Dr. Ivkovic, who works as a medical assessor for an insurance company, will have to leave the country within seven days and faces a one-year ban on re-entering Serbia. This decision has left her with uncertainty and concerns about her future.
This incident serves as a reminder that even in Europe, where democratic values are supposed to be upheld, freedom of expression can sometimes come at a high price. The Serbian government’s actions will likely be closely watched by the international community, which may raise questions about its commitment to protecting fundamental human rights.
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