The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and President Aleksandar Vučić have been systematically relying on criminals to intimidate protesters, dissidents, and students, according to investigative reporting by KRIK. Convicted murderers, violent offenders, drug traffickers, and individuals closely tied to the criminal underworld have openly supported SNS at rallies and political events over the past year, demonstrating a blatant abuse of power.
KRIK journalist Sofija Parojčić emphasizes that it has long been clear that the government’s strategy is to employ individuals from the criminal milieu to suppress opposition. All those listed in KRIK’s database have participated in organized gatherings at Ćaciland, the tent settlement in front of the National Assembly, showing their loyalty to the SNS regime.
Parojčić explained to N1 that constructing the database took months of observation.
“For over a year, we have seen suspicious individuals at protests who actively tried to intimidate students and citizens. In August, these people physically defended SNS offices, provoked citizens, and attacked demonstrators while the police deliberately ignored them. This gave us a clear picture of who was being used by the SNS and Vučić to enforce their control,” she stated.
The practice is not new. Parojčić notes that in 2021, Veljko Beljev admitted to providing services for Vučić and the SNS, including intimidating citizens to prevent protests and controlling chants at opposition rallies. This reveals a long-standing system where the government relies on criminal elements to maintain power and silence opposition voices.
The KRIK database now includes over 15 individuals, all with criminal histories and active involvement in attacks on students and citizens.
“Petar Panić (Pana) was seen at a major gathering on March 15 in Belgrade, at Ćaciland. Former MUP secretary Dijana Hrkalović attended events before the Vidovdan protest. Vladimir Mandić, a former handball player, was caught kicking a student policeman on May 1. Another criminal, Jovan Kecman-Coja, had just been released from prison for attempted murder and previously convicted as part of an organized criminal group and for drug trafficking,” Parojčić detailed.
This investigation exposes the systematic use of violence and intimidation by Vučić and the SNS to manipulate public opinion, silence opposition, and maintain their grip on power—turning the state into a playground for criminals under the guise of political loyalty.
