In a live broadcast of N1 Direktno, prominent lawyer Nikola Lakić delivered a scathing critique of the Serbian authorities, drawing a sharp contrast between the rapid, televised arrest of a local activist in Niš and the high-profile, non-televised arrest of Belgrade Police Chief Veselin Milić following a fatal shooting in the Senjak neighborhood.
Lakić argued that the state is actively concealing key information from the public to shield top police leadership, demanding immediate transparency regarding Milić’s status and the resignation of Minister of Internal Affairs Ivica Dačić.
The Strategy of Public Intimidation
Lakić addressed the recent detention of an activist from Niš following protests at Belgrade’s Slavija Square, asserting that her right to a proper defense was systematically violated. However, he emphasized that the broader issue lies in the operational pattern of the current administration.
“This is a recurring pattern of behavior by this regime, which utilizes the aftermath of every civic protest to systematically intimidate the populace,” Lakić stated. “They want to send a clear message of deterrence to anyone considering joining a public protest.”
Lakić pointed out the absurdity of deploying the Criminal Police Directorate (UKP) to arrest a citizen in Niš, transport her to Belgrade, and film her like a high-level cartel leader, only to charge her with a minor offense related to emptying a dumpster onto the street.
“The fact that the UKP is dedicating its specialized resources to this is mind-boggling,” Lakić added. “The UKP should have been filming the arrest of Veselin Milić instead.”
The “Senjak Case” and State Complicity
Turning to the events in Senjak—where Belgrade Police Chief Veselin Milić was arrested on May 15 under suspicion of concealing an attempted murder that was later upgraded to murder after DNA analysis identified the victim—Lakić highlighted the lack of public footage or transparency.
- Political Proximity: Milić served as the second or third highest-ranking official in the police force and previously acted as President Aleksandar Vučić’s personal advisor on corruption and crime.
- The Power Vacuum: Suppressing the footage of his arrest is a deliberate tactical decision, Lakić claims, designed to prevent panic among regime loyalists who maintained close ties with the police chief.
“There is virtually no precedent globally where the third most powerful official in a national police force is directly implicated in the dark criminal activities currently being charged against Veselin Milić,” Lakić remarked.
“If the production team behind the series Narcos came to Serbia, they wouldn’t just have material for one year—they would have enough material to film ten seasons based on what happens here in a single month. The lack of footage showing Milić in handcuffs proves the regime is trying to insulate him.”
Institutional Silence and Structural Illegality
Lakić also directed sharp criticism at the Higher Public Prosecution (VJT) in Belgrade and its chief prosecutor, Nenad Stefanović, noting that the office has maintained an opaque silence for years rather than addressing matters of intense public interest.
“If we had a serious, independent prosecutor, he would have called a press conference by now to outline the evidence gathered so far,” Lakić said. “Instead, President Vučić acts as the judge, jury, prosecutor, and police officer all at once.”
Furthermore, Lakić raised critical questions regarding internal police organization:
| Legal / Administrative Issue | Statutory Violation Highlighted by Lakić |
| Dual Functions | Milić simultaneously held the positions of Assistant Director of Police and Chief of the Belgrade Police Directorate, violating the Ministry’s internal systemization acts. |
| Current Employment Status | The Ministry of Internal Affairs has failed to clarify whether Milić is officially suspended, if his status as an authorized officer is revoked, or if he continues to draw a state salary. |
Concluding his remarks, Lakić reminded viewers that it was Ivica Dačić who initially appointed Veselin Milić as head of the Belgrade Police back in 2013. “If Ivica Dačić possessed even a shred of professional honor or dignity, he would tender his resignation immediately,” Lakić concluded, warning that the legal proceedings following the Senjak indictment will likely face prolonged delays.
