Religion – Weltanschauung – Recht [ RWR ]

The applicant, Serbian-Chinese Friendship Society FDH, is an organisation based in Belgrade. The case concerns the applicant society’s attempt to hold public protests in Belgrade against the alleged persecution of Falun Gong in the People’s Republic of China. Falun Gong describes itself as a spiritual practice rooted in the Buddhist tradition. The protests were ultimately banned by the Serbian authorities on the grounds of public safety. In particular, they considered that the gatherings were timed to coincide with the official visit of the Chinese President on 17 and 18 June 2016, which could have led to counter-demonstrations and clashes.

Relying on Article 11 (freedom of association) of the European Convention, the applicant society argues in particular that the official assessment of a threat to public safety was merely speculative and, even if there was a risk of counter demonstrations, this was not a reason to ban a peaceful protest. Also relying on Article 13 (right to an effective remedy) of the Convention, the applicant society complains that the judicial review proceedings in the administrative courts and constitutional appeal proceedings were not effective remedies for its complaints.

• Violation of Article 11
• Violation of Article 13 read in conjunction with Article 11

Just satisfaction

• The applicant society did not make any claim for just satisfaction.

Press release ECHR 144 (2026) 02.06.2026