SNS Rally Payment Case Before Prosecutors: Details Withheld from Public

The Third Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade has initiated a case following a criminal complaint against Miloš Vučević, the leader of Serbia's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The complaint stems from allegations of on-site cash payments to attendees at an SNS rally held at the Belgrade Arena.

Journalists from N1 documented instances where individuals appeared to receive cash payments. In one recorded exchange, a coordinator instructed an individual to come to the East Arena entrance for payment after being registered and photographed, urging them to hurry. This documentation was made public.

Despite the evidence presented, authorities have been slow to act. The criminal complaint was filed by the Democratic Party against Vučević. The prosecutor's office stated that they are withholding details about the proceedings to avoid jeopardizing the investigation, potentially hindering the discovery, pre-investigation, or prosecution of any committed criminal offense.

Transparency Serbia noted that while party payments to rally participants are not explicitly forbidden, they must be reported in campaign or annual financial statements. The organization suggested that if the SNS did not pay these individuals, it would imply private donors were funding attendance, which would still require reporting as a party contribution. However, the SNS has not acknowledged such payments, and the Agency for Prevention of Corruption concluded there was insufficient evidence of the party distributing funds.

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Moglo bi da dovede do ugrožavanja, otežavanja ili ometanja otkrivanja eventualno učinjenog krivičnog dela, vođenja predistražnog postupka i u krajnjoj instanci optuženja za eventualno učinjeno krivično delo.