The United Nations has condemned the police brutality against anti-government protesters in Belgrade this week, calling it a violation of human rights. Jiri Dienstbier, United Nations special rapporteur on human rights for Yugoslavia, also said the police action against demonstrators was counter-productive and showed the nervousness of the Yugoslav leadership. He spoke as anti-government protesters prepared for a 12th straight day of street protests .
The Serbian government has taken action to suppress anti-government protests after two nights of violent clashes between police and demonstrators. Opposition leaders say they have been banned from holding more marches in the capital Belgrade although they plan to defy the order by organising another protest tonight.
It has emerged that the public prosecutor has begun legal proceedings that could result in arrest warrants being served on members of the opposition group Alliance For Change. One of the opposition leaders, Slobadan Vuskavi, said the protests are having an effect and President Slobodon Milosevic is weakening.
