Violence Erupts During Police Operation at RTS Headquarters
Police officer hospitalized following a confrontation amid protests at Radio Television of Serbia.
A police officer, Lazar Baćić, has reported sustaining serious injuries during an operation outside the Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) premises.
In a statement from the hospital, Baćić described how he lost consciousness after being struck multiple times in the body and head, with particular mention of being hit by what he believes was a metal object.
He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident.
On March 11, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) confirmed that the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (Žandarmerija) was met with obstruction and violence while attempting to secure the RTS building amid ongoing protests.
The MUP stated that its personnel were attacked while trying to prevent unlawful entries into the facility.
Video footage purportedly recorded during the incident supports the claim that officers were pushed back, hit with various objects, and physically assaulted.
The Ministry reported that it would provide all relevant footage to the High Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, including videos from social media and professional recordings capturing the events leading up to the assault.
The MUP characterized allegations that its officers initiated the confrontation as entirely false, stressing that Žandarmerija was assaulted without provocation.
In response to the incident, they reiterated their commitment to investigating the circumstances that led to the injuries sustained by officer Baćić and others during the operation.
Social media recordings have sparked discussions, suggesting that Baćić, who was reportedly in plain clothes, was accidentally injured by a uniformed colleague amidst the chaos.
Additionally, images circulated online depict Baćić walking with a noticeable eye injury.
Compounding the situation, Srđan Milivojević, the President of the Democratic Party, has called for Baćić to clarify his statements regarding the incident, demanding that he clarify that his injuries did not result from any assault by protestors but rather from a fellow officer.
He has threatened to file a criminal complaint should Baćić fail to do so.
The events transpired during heightened protests at RTS, where a contingent of students and other participants had gathered, contributing to tensions that erupted into physical confrontations.
The incident underscores ongoing societal divisions as recent rallies have been marked by calls for political and institutional reforms.
In a statement from the hospital, Baćić described how he lost consciousness after being struck multiple times in the body and head, with particular mention of being hit by what he believes was a metal object.
He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident.
On March 11, 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) confirmed that the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (Žandarmerija) was met with obstruction and violence while attempting to secure the RTS building amid ongoing protests.
The MUP stated that its personnel were attacked while trying to prevent unlawful entries into the facility.
Video footage purportedly recorded during the incident supports the claim that officers were pushed back, hit with various objects, and physically assaulted.
The Ministry reported that it would provide all relevant footage to the High Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, including videos from social media and professional recordings capturing the events leading up to the assault.
The MUP characterized allegations that its officers initiated the confrontation as entirely false, stressing that Žandarmerija was assaulted without provocation.
In response to the incident, they reiterated their commitment to investigating the circumstances that led to the injuries sustained by officer Baćić and others during the operation.
Social media recordings have sparked discussions, suggesting that Baćić, who was reportedly in plain clothes, was accidentally injured by a uniformed colleague amidst the chaos.
Additionally, images circulated online depict Baćić walking with a noticeable eye injury.
Compounding the situation, Srđan Milivojević, the President of the Democratic Party, has called for Baćić to clarify his statements regarding the incident, demanding that he clarify that his injuries did not result from any assault by protestors but rather from a fellow officer.
He has threatened to file a criminal complaint should Baćić fail to do so.
The events transpired during heightened protests at RTS, where a contingent of students and other participants had gathered, contributing to tensions that erupted into physical confrontations.
The incident underscores ongoing societal divisions as recent rallies have been marked by calls for political and institutional reforms.
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