Prosecutor Radovan Lazić has warned that the adoption of the controversial “Mrdić laws” has significantly empowered Serbia’s executive branch to influence and block the work of the Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (TOK). While he stressed that the mafia has not “won” against the state, Lazić noted that the legislation has increased organized crime’s chances of evading justice.
In a recent interview with N1, Lazić explained that out of 11 prosecutors previously assigned to TOK, four were not reassigned: Irena Bjeloš, Aleksandar Isailović, Aleksandar Barac, and Dragoljub Miladinović. According to him, the executive prefers a weakened TOK over a fully functional office that could investigate cases involving high-level officials.
“All problems can be traced back to one factor – the executive’s intent to fully control and block the prosecution in cases where it sees threats to top officials. If TOK cannot function freely, it is better for it not to exist than to work on these cases,” said Lazić.
TOK handles high-profile and long-term investigations, often lasting several years. Lazić emphasized the gravity of its work:
“No TOK case is insignificant. The office handles serious and complex cases. The mafia has not defeated the state, but the laws have certainly increased its chances to succeed.”
Lazić also commented on internal divisions within Serbia’s prosecution service. While the factions led by Chief Prosecutor Zagorka Dolovac and Prosecutor Nenad Stefanović are the most visible, he insists these are not the only currents, and many prosecutors remain independent, striving to act without external pressure.
“The ideal scenario would have been for all 11 prosecutors to remain at TOK. Only then could elections for vacant positions take place, ensuring the office’s full functionality,” he added.
According to Lazić, the executive branch is satisfied with the current situation, as it has effectively weakened the office and limited its capacity to investigate sensitive cases.
“The desired effect of the Mrdić laws has already been achieved. Even if the government did not intend to completely dismantle TOK, the result is clear – the office’s independence has been compromised,” he said.
The prosecutor concluded by warning that future appointments could further incentivize loyalty to the regime, potentially undermining career prosecutors who strive to act independently.
