A serious public backlash has erupted in Serbia after it was revealed that Dragan Ašanin, a man convicted of murdering an 18-year-old girl, performed live on television during a Christmas celebration attended by the country’s highest-ranking officials.
The incident was disclosed by Nemanja Šarović, a journalist from KTV, who published footage and details on social media platform X. According to Šarović, Ašanin — sentenced to 12 years in prison for murder — sang on Informer TV during a Christmas broadcast featuring President Aleksandar Vučić, Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić, Interior Minister Ivica Dačić, and several other senior government officials.
“His victim, Jasmina Đorđević, was only 18 years old when Ašanin fired three bullets at her,” Šarović wrote. “The murder was committed in front of her 12-year-old brother.”
Despite the gravity of the crime, Šarović noted that Ašanin’s presence and performance appeared to raise no objections among Serbia’s political leadership, who participated in the festive studio gathering.
“None of this bothered Aleksandar Vučić, Ana Brnabić, Darko Glišić, Dragan J. Vučićević, or numerous ministers who celebrated Christmas alongside Ašanin,” Šarović stated, calling the situation “shameful.”
Christmas Celebration Amid National Crisis
The controversial broadcast took place while large parts of Serbia were facing severe winter disruptions, with heavy snowfall leaving thousands of citizens without electricity and water for several consecutive days. As many households spent Christmas in freezing conditions, state leaders were seen singing and celebrating in a television studio, further fueling public anger.
During the broadcast, traditional nationalist songs were reportedly performed, and Interior Minister Ivica Dačić also took part in singing, while the convicted murderer was presented as the main musical guest.
Public Outrage and Ethical Concerns
The appearance of a convicted murderer in a celebratory setting alongside top state officials has raised serious questions about ethical standards, political messaging, and the normalization of violence in Serbia’s public life.
Critics argue that the event sends a deeply troubling signal to victims’ families and society as a whole, especially given the brutal nature of the crime and the young age of the victim.
As of now, no official response or apology has been issued by the presidency, the government, or Informer TV regarding the controversy.
