Suspect Arrested for Snatching Professor Filipovic's Phone; Victim Claims Device Still Active

Belgrade police have arrested a 21-year-old suspect, identified by the initials L.D., in connection with the phone snatching incident involving film director and University Professor Stevan Filipovic. The prosecution stated that the suspect admitted to the charges, which included violent conduct and allegedly smashing the phone on the pavement.

Given the suspect's statement, lack of prior criminal record, and registered place of residence, the prosecution decided not to request detention. The suspect will be released and will defend himself while awaiting trial. The Prosecutor's Office indicated that the suspect provided a statement and did not deny his involvement as charged.

However, Professor Filipovic told N1 that the initial report of his phone being "smashed" is inaccurate. He is currently tracking the device using the "Find My Phone" application and has documented evidence of its movements. This contradicts the prosecution's account of the phone's condition.

Authorities are still searching for two other individuals who allegedly struck Filipovic multiple times during the incident. Filipovic, a professor at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, had previously shared details of the assault, which he stated occurred after he used his phone to photograph a group of men defacing a protected building in central Belgrade.

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Given that the suspect provided a statement and did not deny his involvement in the incident as charged, and considering he has no prior criminal record and has a registered place of residence, the prosecution did not request detention. The suspect will be released to defend himself pending trial.