Serbia's Ombudsman probes Valjevo police actions a year later

Serbia's Ombudsman, Zoran Pašalić, is still investigating alleged police misconduct in Valjevo from August 14-15, 2025, more than a year after the incident. The prolonged investigation stems from the complexity of the case and a parallel criminal proceeding against 28 police officers before the Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office.

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the procedure is still ongoing for several reasons, including the complexity of the factual situation, as well as the fact that a procedure is being conducted before the Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime based on a criminal complaint against 28 police officers.

The Ombudsman launched the inquiry on his own initiative after media reports surfaced detailing potential improper and illegal actions by police officers during public order disturbances. The case was formally opened on August 18, 2025, with an on-site inspection at the Valjevo Police Administration on August 20, 2025.

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came to know about the eventual improper and unlawful conduct of police officers in the application of police powers during the suppression of riots during public gatherings in Valjevo on the night between August 14 and 15.

During the initial inspection, the Ombudsman's office spoke with the head of the Valjevo Police Administration and examined detention facilities. Assurances were received that the use of force by any officer involved would be assessed for justification. However, subsequent requests for information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs in March 2026 revealed that no citizens had filed complaints regarding the events of August 14-15, 2025. Consequently, no complaint-based proceedings were initiated, and the Valjevo Police Administration did not conduct disciplinary actions against officers for any violations of duty related to the incident.

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We received assurances that for every police officer who used coercive measures, an assessment of the justification for the use of coercive measures would be carried out.