Serbian President Vučić Issues Warnings to Prosecutors and Police
Statements made by Vučić regarding the dismissal of law enforcement officials raise concerns over judicial independence.
In a recent public engagement in Leskovac, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed dissatisfaction with the release of individuals from custody, following their arrests.
In this context, he threatened that prosecutors and police officers who fail to uphold law and order would face dismissal.
He stated, 'Those who do not act will be replaced.
Police officers unwilling to protect order and law will be changed, and prosecutors who do not wish to safeguard order and law will be changed.' This declaration has drawn criticism concerning its potential implications for judicial independence and adherence to constitutional principles.
Predrag Milovanović, a prosecutor and member of the Association of Public Prosecutors of Serbia, characterized Vučić's remarks as reckless and indicative of a lack of legal and political culture in the country.
He pointed out that Vučić had previously supported amendments to the Serbian Constitution aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciary, including provisions that prohibit external influence on public prosecutors.
Milovanović emphasized that these constitutional guarantees were a step toward ensuring the autonomy of the judiciary, a commitment that is now being questioned due to recent statements by the President.
Milan Dumanović, deputy head of the New Police Union, referenced the Law on Police, which stipulates the conditions under which personnel can be employed or dismissed within the police force.
He reiterated that dismissals must follow a disciplinary process as defined by law.
Dumanović stated, 'The statement regarding changing police officers is outside his jurisdiction.'
The President's remarks have been condemned by over 200 judges and prosecutors who issued a joint statement expressing concern that Vučić's comments represent a continuation of the undermining of the judiciary.
They argued that this new threat signifies a blatant attempt to exert control over prosecutorial bodies based on the President’s personal evaluations.
Milan Tkalac, the Commissioner for the Independence of the Prosecution, declined to comment on Vučić’s statement, citing its political connotations.
While some officials, including the President of the Policemen's Union of Serbia and the President of the High Council of Prosecutors, did not respond to requests for comment, the implications of Vučić's declarations continue to provoke significant concern within the legal community and beyond.
In this context, he threatened that prosecutors and police officers who fail to uphold law and order would face dismissal.
He stated, 'Those who do not act will be replaced.
Police officers unwilling to protect order and law will be changed, and prosecutors who do not wish to safeguard order and law will be changed.' This declaration has drawn criticism concerning its potential implications for judicial independence and adherence to constitutional principles.
Predrag Milovanović, a prosecutor and member of the Association of Public Prosecutors of Serbia, characterized Vučić's remarks as reckless and indicative of a lack of legal and political culture in the country.
He pointed out that Vučić had previously supported amendments to the Serbian Constitution aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciary, including provisions that prohibit external influence on public prosecutors.
Milovanović emphasized that these constitutional guarantees were a step toward ensuring the autonomy of the judiciary, a commitment that is now being questioned due to recent statements by the President.
Milan Dumanović, deputy head of the New Police Union, referenced the Law on Police, which stipulates the conditions under which personnel can be employed or dismissed within the police force.
He reiterated that dismissals must follow a disciplinary process as defined by law.
Dumanović stated, 'The statement regarding changing police officers is outside his jurisdiction.'
The President's remarks have been condemned by over 200 judges and prosecutors who issued a joint statement expressing concern that Vučić's comments represent a continuation of the undermining of the judiciary.
They argued that this new threat signifies a blatant attempt to exert control over prosecutorial bodies based on the President’s personal evaluations.
Milan Tkalac, the Commissioner for the Independence of the Prosecution, declined to comment on Vučić’s statement, citing its political connotations.
While some officials, including the President of the Policemen's Union of Serbia and the President of the High Council of Prosecutors, did not respond to requests for comment, the implications of Vučić's declarations continue to provoke significant concern within the legal community and beyond.
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