Serbian prosecutor calls for reinstatement of two prosecutors, citing EU path

Prosecutor Predrag Milovanović has stated that two prosecutors, Irena Bjeloš and Aleksandar Barac, should be reinstated to the Organized Crime Prosecution (TOK) to rectify what he describes as a mistake.

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With certain reservations that I will express, I believe they should return, that it is okay, and that in this way the mistake should be corrected, which through the laws was part of a corrupt solution.

Milovanović's comments come after his abstention during a vote by the Supreme Judicial Council (VST) on sending four prosecutors to TOK in March. This abstention led to the prosecutors not being transferred, sparking significant public reaction. He now believes their return is appropriate and would correct an error stemming from the laws that were part of a "corrupt solution."

He referenced the Venice Commission's opinion, acknowledging its authority while noting it is not "Holy Scripture." Milovanović indicated that while the commission's points should be respected, insisting on personal solutions goes beyond its agenda. However, he agreed that the manner in which the prosecutors' status was interrupted is problematic and has been addressed by recent amendments.

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The authority of the Venice Commission is sacred to me, but it is not the Holy Scripture. It should be respected, but insistence on personal solutions goes beyond the agenda of the Venice Commission.

When questioned about his change of stance, Milovanović explained that he was on vacation during the initial VST session and could not participate. He suggested that if he had been present, his vote might have favored their transfer, but ultimately, his vote "meant nothing" as a consensus was reached. He stressed that his decision is not influenced by the specific cases these prosecutors are handling but by a desire not to impede Serbia's European Union accession path.

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I was on vacation then... There was no possibility of connecting. If I had connected, my hand would probably have gone up, I would have been for it. There was no possibility of connecting. They agreed in the end. My vote meant nothing.

Milovanović admitted to public criticism regarding his actions, stating he wishes to carefully consider his vote before the upcoming Thursday session. He reiterated that he does not want to be a "brake" on Serbia's European journey, implying that the prosecutor appointments could be a point of contention in the EU accession process.

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I don't want to be an obstacle to Serbia's European path. If the choice of these prosecutors without any criteria is an obstacle for Serbia to be on the European path, why would I be the brake?