Serbia’s Minister of Culture, Nikola Selaković, has repeatedly vilified prosecutors and staff at the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (JTOK), calling them blockaders, fifth column, liars, and even an “organized criminal group.” These public attacks, both in media appearances and during his Special Court hearing, underscore the growing politicization of justice and a troubling pattern of impunity among senior officials.
Despite being formally reprimanded for disrupting court proceedings, Selaković has continued to ignore summonses, appearing instead on pro-government media and publicly flaunting his influence. In one incident, he posed at the Serbian Progressive Party headquarters during local election celebrations while shielded from journalists by party officials.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office had to threaten police action to compel him to appear. During these confrontations, Selaković openly insulted prosecutor Mladen Nenadić and his staff, accusing them of betraying the state and the people—a striking attempt to intimidate judicial officials.
Observers note that Selaković’s rhetoric escalates as his trial in the “Generalštab” case approaches. The case accuses him and three others of abusing official positions to remove cultural heritage protection from the Generalštab complex. Selaković denies wrongdoing, yet the public attacks on prosecutors cast doubt on the impartiality and independence of the political elite.
Even allegations against Finance Minister Siniša Mali, who reportedly pressured staff during the same matter, remain uninvestigated—highlighting a systemic reluctance to hold high-ranking officials accountable.
The High Council of Prosecutors has forwarded concerns to the Commissioner for the Protection of Independence, but no response has been issued, reflecting a worrying gap in institutional protection for the judiciary.
