Has the break-up of the system, which Aleksandar Vuciq and the Serbian Progressive Party built over 14 years in power, started in Serbia?
In just three weeks after the elections, about 110 people have been arrested, over 100 resignations have been submitted, and more than 200 criminal charges have been filed. Among those arrested are Marko Kricak from criminal police, the bank owner A The LTA, Special Unit Commander Igor Tmiric and former Prime Minister Rade Basta.
Allegations relate to corruption, misuse of public funds, vote buying and violence against students during the protests. Investigations are also reaching security services.
The Prosecutor for Organised Crime is reviewing statements to BIA Director Vladimir Orliq and incumbent Justice Minister Nenad Vujic. Meanwhile, Radar magazine reported on the dismissal of BIA deputy director Tomislav Radovanovic, following allegations of wiretapping journalists whom the agency has denied. The 49 pardons Vucic signed before leaving the presidential post, including persons accused of assaulting the students, are also being noted.
An independent commission requires that the legality of these decisions be considered. Forgiveness is the president’s constitutional competence, but is not excluded from the control of legitimacy. Therefore, we demand that chief prosecutor Zagorka Dolovac initiate procedure at the Administrative Court, commission members said.
Meanwhile, the Student List has presented criminal speculation to Belgrade’s chief prosecutor, Nenad Stefanovic, charging him with abuse of office and favourable treatment of suspects in some cases. The accused, contrary to the law, have been granted easier sentences, more favourable legal qualifications, or avoiding prosecution, the representatives of the Student List have explained.
All of this is happening in an unusual political situation. The Student List has won the election, but has not yet taken power. Institutions continue to be led by officials appointed during previous rule, while Vuciq arrests name the political revanscism. The interest in the investigation is so great that portals such as the breach of the system and the Scandals, where citizens can pursue arrests and changes in institutions.
For many who protested for almost two years, these are the first signs of the changes they sought. However, the arrests do not imply guilt. It remains to be seen how far investigations of corruption and alleged links to organised crime will go, as well as what consequences Aleksandar Vucinqi’s political future will have.
Source Layer: RTKLive
