Serbia’s Minister of Culture, Nikola Selaković, is one of four suspects in the “Generalštab” corruption case. Although he was officially summoned to appear before the Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (JTOK), Selaković failed to attend, giving no explanation or justification for his absence. Prosecutors now have the authority to order his detention to ensure his presence.
Selaković was scheduled for questioning on November 29, but did not respond to the summons. He also did not submit any written explanation, nor did his lawyer. The following day, Selaković appeared on a pro-government television station and claimed he had “more important matters” than attending the hearing.
The “Generalštab” case involves allegations that officials falsified documents to strip the General Staff building of the Serbian Army of its status as a protected cultural monument, allowing the Ministry of Culture to remove its protected status.
Three other suspects—Goran Vasić, acting director of the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments; Aleksandar Ivanović, acting director of the Belgrade Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments; and Slavica Jelača, secretary at the Ministry of Culture—have already admitted their involvement.
The scandal began after the arrest of Goran Vasić, who confessed to falsifying documents that facilitated the removal of cultural protection from the Generalštab building. Witnesses, including Ivanović, stated that Selaković pressured them to proceed, despite their objections and lack of authority to do so. Jelača also confirmed her role in preparing the unauthorized documentation that led the Serbian government to officially revoke the building’s cultural status on November 14, 2024.
Selaković has been repeatedly mentioned as a key initiator of the plan to remove the building’s protected status, raising serious questions about ministerial accountability and abuse of power. If he continues to ignore the summons, police may be ordered to ensure his presence before JTOK.
