Serbian cultural heritage institute flags concerns over Kruševac memorial complex construction

Experts from Serbia's Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments are closely observing activities at the significant Slobodište memorial complex in Kruševac. In a statement, they expressed concern that construction work at the site may have proceeded without adherence to all legal procedures required for protecting cultural heritage.

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Based on the documentation we have seen, we believe that the work began without prior consideration of all issues that are important for preserving the value and integrity of the cultural property.

The institute emphasized that legal regulations in Serbia clearly define the process for obtaining permits for interventions on immovable cultural property. They believe that the necessary conditions and approvals from the Institute for the Protection of Monuments of Culture Kraljevo were not obtained before work commenced. The experts pointed out that conditions issued for spatial plans or electrical installations do not equate to construction permits.

They noted that if discrepancies existed in the documentation, city representatives and the museum should have clarified them before starting construction. "Based on the documentation we have seen, we believe that the work began without prior consideration of all issues that are important for preserving the value and integrity of the cultural property," the statement read.

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We believe that in the specific case, not all procedures prescribed by the laws on the protection of cultural heritage have been respected.

The institute also voiced broader concerns about non-institutional decision-making in cultural heritage protection. They frequently encounter situations where decisions are made, and their role is reduced to merely issuing documents, even if these decisions impact the heritage's integrity. They also reported facing pressure to approve work that could endanger heritage sites.

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We are often witnesses to non-institutional decision-making concerning the protection and preservation of immovable cultural heritage.