European Court Rules Serbia Illegally Banned Peaceful Falun Gong Rally During Xi Jinping’s Visit The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Serbia unlawfully banned a peaceful Falun Gong rally in 2016 during Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping’s visit. The court found that Serbian authorities violated the group’s freedom of assembly and right to an effective remedy. Concerns about public order cited by Serbian officials were deemed speculative and insufficient grounds for restricting the peaceful demonstration.

• The European Court of Human Rights ruled Serbia unlawfully banned a Falun Gong rally in 2016.
• The ban occurred during Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping’s visit.
• The court found violations of freedom of assembly and the right to an effective remedy.
• Serbian authorities cited public order risks, which the court deemed speculative.
• The case involved the Belgrade-based Serbian–Chinese Friendship Society.