Serbian Opposition Leader Alleges Police Obstruction in Vučević Vote-Buying Probe

Srđan Milivojević, president of the Democratic Party (DS), expressed confidence that the Third Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Serbia will thoroughly investigate his criminal complaint against Miloš Vučević, the leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The complaint centers on allegations that Vučević organized the payment of SNS supporters to attend a rally held at the Belgrade Arena in March. Milivojević is now awaiting action from the Criminal Investigation Police Directorate (UKP), which he believes is the next crucial step.

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I believe there is a will in the Third Basic Public Prosecutor's Office to shed light on and process all details related to my criminal complaint against the president of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) Miloš Vučević

Milivojević voiced concerns about potential obstruction within the police force, citing what he described as a pattern of inaction on significant investigations, including cases of alleged corruption in Novi Sad and the collapse of a canopy. "We see that the police refuse to act on the orders of the prosecutor's office," Milivojević stated, suggesting a deliberate slowdown in proceedings. N1 Serbia reported that the Ministry of Internal Affairs had not responded to inquiries regarding Vučević's questioning and the reasons behind it by the time of publication.

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We see that the police refuse to act on the orders of the prosecutor's office

The DS leader recalled filing the complaint after what he termed a "mafia fair" at the Arena, where the SNS claimed 78,000 people were present. He referenced N1 journalists' footage showing individuals, allegedly paid thousands of dinars to attend, acting as extras. Milivojević argued that as a political party, the SNS is subject to laws on political financing and oversight by the Anti-Corruption Agency. He formally requested state prosecutor Zagorka Dolovac to forward the complaint to the appropriate prosecution office, which he was informed had been done, leading to the formation of a case.

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mafia fair at the Arena

Milivojević stated he has not interfered with the impartiality or independence of the prosecutorial investigation. He believes that with the "liberation of Serbia and the victory of the Student List," conditions will be created to investigate and prosecute serious criminal offenses related to corruption and vote-buying. The report also references an N1 investigation where journalists documented the organization of the ruling party's rally, from recruiting attendees to arranging daily payments.

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statists, forced to come, were paid several thousand dinars