The civic group “Borba je obaveza” has called on Serbian police to publicly clarify the investigation into alleged threats of sexual violence against activist Justina Arsić in Sremski Karlovci, claiming that the two men involved are members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
The group has given police until Monday, July 27, to inform the public about the case, while residents of Sremski Karlovci have announced a protest walk on Friday, July 31, following the incident.
In a video statement published by “Borba je obaveza” on social media, Arsić said that on Thursday evening, July 23, around 7 p.m., she was walking home alone when two young men near the local market allegedly insulted her and threatened her with rape.
“I immediately reported the case to the police, and they did their job correctly. The attackers were detained, gave statements, and now we are waiting for the outcome. All I want is to be able to move safely and freely through the streets of this city. Not only me, but all girls and women, without fear that something like this will happen again and that nobody will be held accountable,” Arsić said.
Radivoje Jovović, a provincial assembly member and activist with “Borba je obaveza,” demanded that police provide information about the progress of the investigation and the identities of those accused of making the threats.
“We know their identities. We know they are two members of the Serbian Progressive Party, but we are giving you the opportunity to do your job and at least minimally convince the public that streets are safe for girls, women and all people who simply want to live their lives,” Jovović said.
The group alleged that one of the men told Arsić that he was looking forward to sexually assaulting her, using offensive and politically charged language. They also claimed that the second man made threats related to protests and public gatherings.
“Borba je obaveza” further alleged that the two men had previously been involved in incidents connected with tensions surrounding student and civic protests, including an incident nearly two years ago involving students and teachers from Karlovci Grammar School.
The Serbian police have been contacted by the Danas newspaper regarding the allegations, and their response is expected to be published once received.
The claims that the suspects are SNS members have not yet been officially confirmed by police.
