The opposition party Serbia Center (SRCE) has called on the Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (TOK) to investigate President Aleksandar Vučić following his recent statement that Culture Minister Nikola Selaković is “not guilty of anything” in the so-called “General Staff affair.” SRCE described Vučić’s remarks as unconstitutional and illegal interference in the work of judicial and investigative authorities.
In a statement, the party warned that the president could potentially face criminal liability if his statements are not supported by evidence.
“The Constitution of Serbia prohibits any interference in the work of the courts, particularly the use of public office to influence judicial proceedings,” SRCE said.
The party noted that this is not Vučić’s first such intervention, citing similar statements he made regarding defendants in the case of the collapsed canopy at Novi Sad railway station.
SRCE emphasized that the only logical course of action would be for the Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (TOK) to summon Vučić to explain the basis of his claims and to provide an official statement regarding any knowledge of Selaković’s alleged culpability.
The opposition party also warned that Vučić could be accused of abuse of influence, which occurs when a public official uses their position to intervene in the execution of official actions. In this case, SRCE argues, such influence would be evident if the president used his authority to sway judges or prosecutors in favor of Selaković, a practice Vučić allegedly repeats frequently in media statements.
“Freedom of speech for public officials is not absolute and is constrained by constitutional principles, including Article 4 of the Constitution, which establishes the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers,” SRCE noted.
