Debate in Serbian Parliament Centers on Sound Weapons and Political Resignations
Opposition and government officials discuss the use of sound weapons during a protest, alongside the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević.
The Serbian National Assembly convened today to continue discussions on remaining agenda items for the first spring session, with expectations that the resignation submitted by Prime Minister Miloš Vučević in January will be acknowledged during this session.
The timeline for this acknowledgment remains uncertain, as the length of discussions on various agenda points is not yet determined.
President Aleksandar Vučić previously indicated that the parliament might officially recognize the Prime Minister's resignation on March 17 or 18.
During today's proceedings, opposition parliamentarians raised questions concerning the reported use of sound weapons at a protest on March 15 in Belgrade and addressed events occurring in Novi Sad, particularly the involvement of SPS official Branko Ružić in the '15 for 15' protest.
There was inquiry into how health authorities are responding to reports from citizens who have experienced health issues following the protest.
Slavica Radovanović, from the Workers' Solidarity Movement, questioned Interior Minister Ivica Dačić regarding reports that police in Novi Sad had obstructed and violently confronted students arriving for peaceful protests.
She emphasized the need for accountability related to the commands given on March 15 regarding the alleged deployment of sound weapons against assembled citizens, instigating panic and fear.
Furthermore, Zdravko Mladenović, from the ruling coalition, pressed the Ministry of Interior for updates on the investigation into allegations concerning the use of a sound cannon on March 15, querying whether the Prosecutor's Office would take action if these claims were found to be unfounded.
He raised concerns about the panic that had emerged in media and social networks due to these alleged incidents.
Miloš Parandilović, another opposition member, urged Minister Dačić to resign, suggesting he should personally address the Prosecutor's Office regarding the alleged deployment of the sound weapon against peaceful demonstrators in Belgrade.
President of the Assembly Ana Brnabić responded to Parandilović's comments with irony, suggesting that the claims seemed exaggerated.
Stefan Krkobabić, representing the United Pensioners Party, commended the efforts of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, and BIA, recognizing their coordination during recent protests, which helped prevent serious injuries or fatalities.
He posed questions regarding the overall security situation in Serbia amid fears of potential unrest catalyzed by misinformation on social media outlets.
Biljana Đorđević from the Green Left Front held Minister Dačić accountable for police actions in Novi Sad and pressed for clarification on who employed unauthorized weapons against peaceful protesters.
She reiterated the urgency of transparency in identifying those responsible for violence against citizens.
Questions were also directed towards health authorities regarding the number of individuals seeking medical attention after the reported use of sound weapons, with Đorđević pressing for public health advisories on the risks associated with sound waves.
In contrast, members from the ruling coalition praised the police's actions and demanded investigations against those propagating false narratives regarding the use of sound weaponry at the protests.
Marko Atlagić, from the ruling coalition, accused the opposition of orchestrating a 'color revolution' aimed at destabilizing state authority.
Parliament also began today with a moment of silence honoring victims of a recent nightclub fire in Kočani, North Macedonia.
In addition to the debate regarding the protests, the Assembly is set to discuss the appointments for the President and members of the Central Bank of Serbia (NBS) Governor Council.
Proposed candidates for the positions include Ivan Nikolić, Nebojša Savić, Ana Jovanović, Boško Vidaković, and Nikola Gradojević, with a directive for expedited consideration.
The council plays a crucial role in determining Serbia's economic policy, including decisions on national currency management and financial strategy.
Today's session adheres to parliamentary norms established during previous governmental assemblies.
The timeline for this acknowledgment remains uncertain, as the length of discussions on various agenda points is not yet determined.
President Aleksandar Vučić previously indicated that the parliament might officially recognize the Prime Minister's resignation on March 17 or 18.
During today's proceedings, opposition parliamentarians raised questions concerning the reported use of sound weapons at a protest on March 15 in Belgrade and addressed events occurring in Novi Sad, particularly the involvement of SPS official Branko Ružić in the '15 for 15' protest.
There was inquiry into how health authorities are responding to reports from citizens who have experienced health issues following the protest.
Slavica Radovanović, from the Workers' Solidarity Movement, questioned Interior Minister Ivica Dačić regarding reports that police in Novi Sad had obstructed and violently confronted students arriving for peaceful protests.
She emphasized the need for accountability related to the commands given on March 15 regarding the alleged deployment of sound weapons against assembled citizens, instigating panic and fear.
Furthermore, Zdravko Mladenović, from the ruling coalition, pressed the Ministry of Interior for updates on the investigation into allegations concerning the use of a sound cannon on March 15, querying whether the Prosecutor's Office would take action if these claims were found to be unfounded.
He raised concerns about the panic that had emerged in media and social networks due to these alleged incidents.
Miloš Parandilović, another opposition member, urged Minister Dačić to resign, suggesting he should personally address the Prosecutor's Office regarding the alleged deployment of the sound weapon against peaceful demonstrators in Belgrade.
President of the Assembly Ana Brnabić responded to Parandilović's comments with irony, suggesting that the claims seemed exaggerated.
Stefan Krkobabić, representing the United Pensioners Party, commended the efforts of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, and BIA, recognizing their coordination during recent protests, which helped prevent serious injuries or fatalities.
He posed questions regarding the overall security situation in Serbia amid fears of potential unrest catalyzed by misinformation on social media outlets.
Biljana Đorđević from the Green Left Front held Minister Dačić accountable for police actions in Novi Sad and pressed for clarification on who employed unauthorized weapons against peaceful protesters.
She reiterated the urgency of transparency in identifying those responsible for violence against citizens.
Questions were also directed towards health authorities regarding the number of individuals seeking medical attention after the reported use of sound weapons, with Đorđević pressing for public health advisories on the risks associated with sound waves.
In contrast, members from the ruling coalition praised the police's actions and demanded investigations against those propagating false narratives regarding the use of sound weaponry at the protests.
Marko Atlagić, from the ruling coalition, accused the opposition of orchestrating a 'color revolution' aimed at destabilizing state authority.
Parliament also began today with a moment of silence honoring victims of a recent nightclub fire in Kočani, North Macedonia.
In addition to the debate regarding the protests, the Assembly is set to discuss the appointments for the President and members of the Central Bank of Serbia (NBS) Governor Council.
Proposed candidates for the positions include Ivan Nikolić, Nebojša Savić, Ana Jovanović, Boško Vidaković, and Nikola Gradojević, with a directive for expedited consideration.
The council plays a crucial role in determining Serbia's economic policy, including decisions on national currency management and financial strategy.
Today's session adheres to parliamentary norms established during previous governmental assemblies.
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