A prosecutor from northern Serbia has described the arson attack on her personal vehicle as a deliberate act of intimidation, raising serious concerns about the safety and independence of judicial officials in the country.
Aleksandra Stojsavljević, a prosecutor at the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Subotica, stated on Sunday that the burning of her car several days ago should not be viewed merely as an attack on property, but as a direct threat against her and her family.
Four individuals are suspected of setting the vehicle on fire while it was parked near the residential building where the prosecutor lives.
“An Act of Intimidation in a Legal State”
Speaking at a gathering in front of the Subotica court building—organized by the Informal Group of Judges and Prosecutors “Defense of the Profession”—Stojsavljević stressed that such acts must not be normalized.
“This was an act of intimidation,” she said.
“Such messages must never become acceptable in a society governed by the rule of law.”
She called on authorities to respond swiftly and effectively, adding that she expects adequate protection for herself and her family, as well as clear institutional signals that similar attacks will not be tolerated.
Stojsavljević also thanked fellow judges and prosecutors who gathered to express solidarity.
Judiciary Pushes Back Against Pressure
At the same gathering, Rajko Maravić, a judge of the Basic Court in Subotica, emphasized that judicial employees would not be intimidated.
“We will continue to work as we always have—according to the Constitution and the law,” Maravić said, warning that anyone who repeats such acts “will be held accountable.”
The protest underscored growing unease within Serbia’s judiciary over political pressure, personal threats, and a deteriorating climate for independent legal work.
Context: Criticism of Vučić and Sensitive Cases
The incident has drawn additional attention because Stojsavljević is among the signatories of a public letter condemning President Aleksandar Vučić’s attacks on the prosecution service, statements that critics argue undermine judicial independence and encourage a hostile atmosphere toward prosecutors and judges.
She recently questioned detained hooligans accused of inflicting serious bodily harm on Dražen Lončar, a citizen actively involved in anti-government protests in Subotica, further amplifying concerns that legal professionals handling politically sensitive cases may be exposed to targeted pressure or retaliation.
Arrests Made, Investigation Ongoing
On December 10, police announced the arrest of two adult suspects believed to be responsible for setting the prosecutor’s car on fire during the night of December 9–10.
Two minors, also suspected of involvement, are expected to be brought before the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office.
While the investigation is ongoing, the case has reignited debate over the responsibility of Serbia’s political leadership, particularly President Vučić, to stop inflammatory rhetoric and ensure real protection for judicial officials—not only in words, but through decisive institutional action.
Rule of Law Under Pressure
Legal experts warn that attacks on prosecutors and judges—especially those linked to politically sensitive cases—represent a direct threat to the rule of law. Without accountability and strong condemnation from the highest levels of government, such incidents risk becoming a dangerous pattern rather than isolated acts.
