Lawyers in Serbia’s northern province of Vojvodina have announced a one-day suspension of work, urging judges and prosecutors to join a protest gathering scheduled for Tuesday in front of court and prosecution buildings in Novi Sad.
The Vojvodina Bar Association (AKV) is demanding that Serbia’s Ministry of Justice urgently propose amendments to the recently adopted judicial legislation, commonly referred to as the “Mrdić laws.” According to the association, these legal changes undermine the independence and autonomy of judicial institutions and must be repealed.
Demand for Wider Nationwide Action
AKV has also proposed that the Serbian Bar Association (AKS) consider organizing a three-day nationwide suspension of legal work if the controversial amendments are not revoked.
In its official statement, AKV expressed serious concern over the adoption process and substance of the new judicial laws, warning that they could disrupt institutional balance, weaken prosecutorial autonomy, and compromise judicial independence and legal certainty for citizens.
Lawyers Warn of Threats to Judicial Independence
Vladimir Beljanski, a member of AKV and one of the initiators of the planned strike, stated that the new regulations reduce the independence of courts and prosecutors, directly affecting the legal profession and citizens’ access to fair trials.
He described the legal changes as an abuse of legislative power that lowers the level of constitutionally guaranteed human rights. Beljanski emphasized that lawyers decided to take stronger action after earlier protests by judges and prosecutors across Serbia.
Concerns Over Legislative Procedure
Tanja Arsić, a member of the Serbian Bar Association’s governing board, described the adoption of the laws as an unprecedented move in Serbian parliamentary practice. She argued that the government bypassed standard procedures, including public consultations and expert review.
Arsić claimed the reforms contradict Serbia’s Constitution by placing the judiciary under executive control, raising suspicions that the legislation may be linked to attempts to shield corruption cases from investigation. She also noted that the European Commission and the Venice Commission were not properly consulted during the legislative process.
Mixed Reactions Within the Legal Community
The Belgrade Bar Association has so far decided not to suspend work but stated it is closely monitoring developments and supports judges and prosecutors opposing the reforms. Its president, Vladimir Prijović, described the amendments as “catastrophic” and stressed the importance of unified action across Serbia if further protests or strikes occur.
Prijović also pointed to broader systemic issues, including allegations that police have failed to implement prosecutorial orders, contributing to stalled legal proceedings.
Next Steps and Dialogue Efforts
AKV announced plans to organize roundtable discussions involving judges and prosecutors to assess the impact of the new legislation and coordinate future responses. The association is also calling on authorities to engage in open dialogue with legal experts to safeguard constitutional principles, rule of law, and institutional independence.
