Why are the police not allowed to act according to the law when facing hooligans?

N1 is a prominent independent media outlet in Serbia, known for its critical reporting and focus on rule of law and human rights. This article reflects N1's investigative approach, highlighting a perceived failure of state institutions to address serious public order issues, particularly concerning sports-related violence.

The article frames the lack of accountability for hooliganism at major Serbian sports events as a systemic problem. By contrasting the police's alleged heavy-handedness with students with their apparent inaction against violent football and basketball fans, N1 suggests a selective application of the law. The silence from the Ministry of Interior and prosecution offices further fuels this narrative, implying a reluctance or inability to confront these disruptive elements.

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The police are not allowed to do their job according to the law when faced with hooligans.

From a Serbian perspective, the issue of fan violence is a recurring and deeply frustrating problem that often overshadows the sports themselves. N1's reporting taps into public concern about security and the effectiveness of law enforcement. The article implicitly questions whether certain groups are being protected or are operating with impunity, a sentiment that resonates with many citizens who witness or hear about such incidents.

While international coverage might focus on the spectacle of fan culture or the financial penalties imposed by sports leagues like the Euroleague, N1's focus is on the domestic implications: the breakdown of public order, the safety of ordinary citizens, and the integrity of the justice system. The article's critical tone and its emphasis on the lack of transparency from authorities are characteristic of N1's role as a watchdog in Serbian society, aiming to hold power to account.

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While students across Serbia are searched, detained, intimidated, and sometimes subjected to violence by the police for trivial or no reason, there is still no publicly available data on whether the Ministry of Interior has detained even a single hooligan for the disorder at the two derby matches between Red Star and Partizan.