Former special police unit member questions handling of Veselin Milić case

Predrag Simonović, a retired major and former member of Serbia's Special Police Anti-Corruption Department (SBPOK), has voiced significant concerns regarding the investigation into high-ranking police official Veselin Milić.

Simonović stated that it is unclear why the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office (VJT) is handling the case instead of the Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime. He also highlighted the silence from the Sector for Internal Control, questioning whether disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against anyone and what Milić's current role is within the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

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We absolutely know nothing – whether Veselin Milić will appear at work, when that will be determined? If he committed the criminal offense of failing to report a crime and perpetrator – I believe it will be dismissed, if he receives a penalty – can he still be in the police?

"We absolutely know nothing – whether Veselin Milić will appear at work, when that will be determined? If he committed the criminal offense of failing to report a crime and perpetrator – I believe it will be dismissed, if he receives a penalty – can he still be in the police?" Simonović asked, emphasizing the lack of transparency.

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If the Sector is not aware of who is socializing with whom, who is seen with whom, who is providing security, then the entire service should be disbanded and recreated, because this is clearly not good.

He further speculated that the Sector for Internal Control might never issue a statement, citing a previous instance where the sector allegedly provided fragmented responses regarding another individual. Simonović suggested that if the sector is unaware of internal relationships and security arrangements, it should be disbanded and rebuilt.

Regarding Milić's release from custody after two months, Simonović expressed surprise not at his release, but at his initial arrest. He questioned the basis for the charges, noting that part of the initial criminal complaint was dismissed early on. Simonović pointed to a potential internal conflict within the police force, suggesting that the criminal complaint might have originated from a department within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, potentially leading to a dispute with the head of the Belgrade police.

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After two months and everything that has happened – the question is not whether we are surprised that he was released, but why he was arrested.