Law Firm Tomanović: Student Lazar Mišić Arrested Without Valid Legal Basis

The arrest of student Lazar Mišić at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with his legal representatives, the Tomanović law firm, vehemently asserting his detention is unlawful and politically motivated. The firm claims Mišić was "deprived of liberty without a valid legal basis, with legally and factually simulated reasons," demanding his immediate release.

“

Lazar Mišić was deprived of liberty without a valid legal basis, with legally and factually simulated reasons and therefore must be released immediately after consideration of our appeal.

According to family members and the law firm, Mišić, a student at the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Agriculture, was apprehended upon his return from a trip. The Tomanović firm alleges this arrest is a calculated move by the Serbian political and state leadership as part of an "anti-student campaign." They contend that by labeling students as "terrorists and destroyers of the state," the authorities aim to convince the public that individuals like Mišić are threats to the constitutional order.

“

Student Mišić Lazar today, after returning from a trip, was arrested at the airport in Belgrade.

Reports indicate that Mišić has been placed under a 48-hour detention. However, an employee from the Criminal Police Administration reportedly informed those gathered outside that the inspector handling the case intends to release Mišić the following morning. This statement, however, has done little to quell the concerns of Mišić's supporters and legal team, who see the entire process as orchestrated.

“

The anti-student campaign of the political and state leadership of Serbia, which criminalizes and dehumanizes students of Serbia, calling them terrorists and destroyers of the state, wants to convince the citizens of Serbia with the act of arresting student Mišić that this is about attackers on the constitutional order.

The Tomanović firm further decried what they describe as an "organized hunt" against the student in "regime media." They allege that identical information from a supposed investigation is being disseminated, leading to a "media trial" that suggests a prison sentence and celebrates the arrest of a "terrorist." This narrative, they argue, is designed to manipulate public opinion and suppress dissent among the student population. From a Serbian perspective, this case highlights deep-seated concerns about freedom of expression, the independence of the judiciary, and the potential for state apparatus to be used against perceived opponents, particularly within the student movement.

“

Following the command, an organized hunt for the student ensued in the regime media by disseminating identical information from the alleged investigation, media trials, and suggesting the length of the prison sentence, as well as rejoicing that a terrorist has been arrested.