Belgrade mayor accused of forming "para-army" security system

Mila Popović, president of the Belgrade board of the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), has accused Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić of establishing a "para-army" through an integrated security system that will cost Belgrade residents nearly 70 million euros annually. Popović claims this initiative follows Šapić's previous establishment of a city security service, a contract for which was reportedly declared a state secret and awarded to the private firm "Atlas Security."

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It wasn't enough for him to establish the city of Belgrade's security and award the contract, which was declared a state secret, to the private firm 'Atlas Security,' but he has now decided on an 'integrated security system.' We warn that this represents a serious security risk.

Popović highlighted that this new "integrated security system" will be implemented through a 10-year public-private partnership valued at 81 billion Serbian dinars, approximately 692 million euros. A major concern raised is the potential security risk stemming from the project's provision for the private partner to independently select, hire, and organize around 2,200 individuals for patrol duties. Popović argues this amounts to constant surveillance and control of citizens by private firms, operating outside any institutional accountability.

She questioned the qualifications and background of these individuals, referencing past incidents involving security companies. Popović specifically mentioned companies like "Atlas Security" or "T&M Group Solutions," alleging they previously attacked citizens with chains outside the City Assembly. She expressed alarm that such firms could now be authorized to patrol Belgrade as a security service, especially given the ongoing "war of criminal clans" in the streets and the city's transformation into what she described as "Ćacilend's armed camp."

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This means constant surveillance and control of citizens – by private firms, outside of any institutional responsibility.

Popović issued a stark warning, stating that in a country still dealing with the trauma of recent mass shootings and where police officials dine with perpetrators, there is a risk these private units could be used to suppress political opposition and protect those in power. She concluded that this situation signals the government has reached a critical point, and all detrimental contracts must be terminated following their removal from power.

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In a country that has not yet healed from the trauma of the massacres in Ribnikar and Dubona, where police officers dine in restaurants with murderers, who controls that these private units do not start settling scores with political opponents and guarding the bosses' chairs?