Prosecutor's car torched in Valjevo; called 'mafia warning'

The car of Vukašin Vujičić, a prosecutor with the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Valjevo, Serbia, was deliberately set on fire by unknown individuals early Sunday morning. This incident is being widely interpreted as a "mafia-like warning" and a direct consequence of Vujičić's work, particularly his ongoing investigation into a criminal group allegedly connected to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

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I cannot speak about the details, but I believe that everything is happening because of the proceedings I am conducting.

Miloš Ž. Lazić, a journalist for Nova.rs, stated that the burning of the prosecutor's vehicle is a "classic mafia warning" and merely the first step. He warned that such actions could escalate to threats against Vujičić's family and increased pressure, tactics he attributes to the current government.

Valjevo has recently seen protests against police brutality, and this attack on a prosecutor adds another layer of tension to the city. Vujičić himself briefly commented, expressing belief that the incident is related to the cases he is prosecuting. Notably, he has been instrumental in pursuing charges against members of a group known for assaulting people for criticizing the government, a group allegedly close to the SNS. While some members are in custody or have been convicted, the alleged leader remains at large.

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This is a classic mafia warning – we know where you live, we know what you drive. It's at least about the car, this is the first step. The next step could be an attack on the family and various kinds of pressure, which this government is prone to.

Students from Valjevo first reported the incident online, denouncing the "day and night targeting" of "integrity lawyers" by pro-government tabloids. They believe these actions create targets on the backs of individuals unwilling to compromise their principles. The police confirmed the vehicle, a "seat ibica," was doused with flammable liquid before being set ablaze, and a criminal report will be filed against unknown perpetrators.

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Day and night targeting by pro-regime tabloids has drawn targets on the heads of integrity lawyers who are not prepared to sell their honor and conscience.