Police officers from Belgrade’s Palilula Police Station recently refused to secure the informal protest settlement known as “Ćacilend” in central Belgrade, Nova.rs reports, citing a source inside Serbia’s Interior Ministry (MUP).
According to the report, the officers were assigned to provide security for participants gathered in Pionirski Park, where “Ćacilend” — a cluster of tents set up by protesters — has been located for weeks. While officers from all Belgrade police stations rotate through the assignment, the Palilula shift refused to take part, claiming it undermines regular policing due to a significant reduction in patrol units on the streets.
Unrest After Multiple Incidents
This act of disobedience reportedly follows the November 26 incident near the National Assembly, when a group of MPs from the Serbia Center (SRCE) party attempted to pass through “Ćacilend” to access the main building entrance.
During the confrontation, stewards and individuals inside the encampment tried to block the MPs, prompting police to intervene.
Since the tents were set up in Pionirski Park, at least 30 incidents have been recorded. Among the victims have been journalists, passersby, students, activists, and ordinary citizens. Witnesses claim that police officers often failed to react or responded slowly and leniently, allowing aggressors from the encampment to return to their tents without consequences.
One recent case involved a man from the camp who attacked an N1 news crew and smashed their camera. Officers reportedly allowed him to walk away. Despite indications he is a repeat offender with a lengthy criminal record, he has not yet been officially identified or apprehended.
Lack of Accountability From Authorities
The Interior Ministry has not responded to Nova.rs’ questions regarding the incident or whether disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the officers who refused duty.
Prosecutors have also been criticized for their lenient approach toward offenders coming from “Ćacilend.” Although the gathering in Pionirski Park is officially registered, meaning that violent acts committed there should be treated as felony hooliganism at a public event, the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office has not taken meaningful action in cases where the perpetrators are members of the camp.
The First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office, responsible for the territory where the site is located, rarely succeeds in prosecuting crimes committed by individuals from the encampment. Reactions are slow, and even when convictions occur, they typically result in plea bargains and light penalties.
One rare example is Živojin Ivanović, a former member of the Special Operations Unit (JSO), known as Žika Crnogorac. In March, he struck a young man through the fence surrounding the camp using a stick. The attack was recorded and shared widely online. In the end, he faced only a misdemeanor charge.
