Serbian Bar Association Urges Boycott of Informer TV After Lawyer Targeted

The Serbian Bar Association has called on all lawyers to cease participating in programs on Informer television. This action follows the targeting of attorney Jana Aćimović Planojević, who represents victims of police brutality in a case from Valjevo last year.

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I am scared and worried about my safety, because the lies being spread about me and my family are horrific and vile.

Aćimović Planojević expressed fear and concern for her safety, describing the lies spread about her and her family as "horrific and vile." She stated that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić made "terrible accusations" against her during a live television appearance, suggesting a connection to the suicide of a police officer from Priboj. She vehemently denies any involvement, expressing sorrow for the tragedy but asserting no link to the officer's death.

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A target is drawn on our backs. I am worried about my safety, I have children and a husband, and imagine the president of the country directly connecting me to the suicide of a police officer – truly horrific.

"A target is drawn on our backs," Aćimović Planojević said, emphasizing the danger of these accusations. She is worried about her own safety and that of her family, especially given the president's direct association of her with the police officer's suicide. The Bar Association condemned the attacks, affirming every lawyer's right to professional duties free from pressure, threats, or media campaigns. Aćimović Planojević confirmed receiving threatening messages after the television broadcast.

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We are just doing our job as lawyers, and every citizen has the right to choose their defender. This way, the independence of the entire legal profession is threatened.

She questioned how the president could comment on the pre-investigative phase of a case. Regarding the difficulty of prosecuting police officers in Serbia, Aćimović Planojević described the Valjevo case as specific due to multiple officers and 27 victims. She noted that such an event, where police allegedly behaved in a certain manner, is unprecedented in Serbia. The attack on lawyers, she believes, indirectly targets the victims and disrupts the legal process.

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In this system, it is very difficult to administer justice.