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Valjevo Prosecutor's Office Urges Reporting of Protests Ahead of Anniversary
๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡ธ Serbia /Culture & Society

Valjevo Prosecutor's Office Urges Reporting of Protests Ahead of Anniversary

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Valjevo urged citizens to report any organized gatherings ahead of August 14, the anniversary of last year's protests.
  • The office stated that unsanctioned gatherings violate the law and recalled that last year's events led to significant public disorder, injuries, and property damage.
  • While acknowledging the right to protest, the office stressed the importance of adhering to Serbia's constitution and laws, including the requirement for a redar (steward) service.

As the one-year anniversary of protests in Valjevo approaches on August 14, the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office has issued a statement calling for citizens to respect the law and report any organized gatherings. The office emphasized that public assemblies are only permissible if officially registered with the relevant authorities.

According to the prosecutor's office, organizers must be identifiable individuals who not only file a report but also ensure the presence of a steward service. The statement noted a recent increase in announcements for gatherings on social media and in some media outlets for August 14, but indicated that these events have not been properly reported. "The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Valjevo informs the public that these announcements are shared by individuals or groups who have not reported any gathering," the statement read.

The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Valjevo informs the public that these announcements are shared by individuals or groups who have not reported any gathering.

โ€” Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in ValjevoStatement regarding unsanctioned gathering announcements for August 14.

The office specifically referenced the events of August 2025, describing them as a "serious disruption of public order and peace" during an unsanctioned assembly. The statement alleged that several police officers and citizens were injured, and facilities belonging to the prosecutor's office, the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office, the Misdemeanor Court, the Police Administration, and the City Administration were damaged or set ablaze. The prosecution also claimed that "fake news" spread on social media and in the public sphere regarding the 2025 events contributed to rising tensions.

While affirming the citizens' right to protest, the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office appealed for this right to be exercised in accordance with the Serbian Constitution and laws. "Without questioning the inalienable right to protest, the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Valjevo appeals to all citizens to respect the Constitution and Law of the Republic of Serbia and to report their gatherings to the competent authorities, as well as to refrain from any form of disturbing public order and peace," the statement concluded. The announcement serves as a reminder of the significant public attention generated by last year's events in Valjevo.

Without questioning the inalienable right to protest, the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Valjevo appeals to all citizens to respect the Constitution and Law of the Republic of Serbia and to report their gatherings to the competent authorities, as well as to refrain from any form of disturbing public order and peace.

โ€” Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in ValjevoAppeal to citizens to exercise their right to protest lawfully.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.