Police in Novi Sad have launched an investigation into allegations that officers assaulted 74-year-old Ilija Kostić, a pensioner detained during a protest in the city. Kostić, who was arrested on November 21st for allegedly spraying a police officer with tear gas during an earlier protest, claims to have been brutally beaten while in custody.
The accusations have sparked outrage among human rights groups and opposition political parties. The Beograd Center for Human Rights (BCLJP) has filed a criminal complaint against the unidentified police officers involved, calling the treatment “unprecedented brutality.”
Alleged Police Brutality in Custody: Details from Ilija Kostić’s Wife
According to Kostić’s wife, Eržebet Glušica, her husband was severely beaten after being detained. She describes how two officers reportedly struck Kostić, including a knee to the groin, which led to significant injuries. Kostić’s condition deteriorated, and he underwent surgery on November 24th to treat a serious testicular injury.
The Ministry of the Interior (MUP) confirmed that Kostić’s injuries were assessed by medical professionals, though earlier reports claimed no immediate signs of injury during initial checks. The controversy surrounding the incident has drawn widespread attention as opposition leaders demand immediate accountability.
Opposition Protests Outside Novi Sad Court
In response to the alleged abuse, opposition figures and citizens gathered outside the Novi Sad courthouse on November 28th, calling for the immediate arrest of the officers involved. Protesters also demanded the resignation of Serbia’s Minister of the Interior, Ivica Dačić, unless results of the internal police investigation were made public within 24 hours.
The protests coincide with continued opposition unrest following a deadly incident at the Novi Sad train station on November 1st, where a canopy collapsed, killing 15 people. Opposition leaders have accused the government of negligence and demanded action on both fronts.
Growing Concern Over Police Brutality in Serbia
The allegations against the Novi Sad police are the latest in a series of high-profile incidents drawing attention to police conduct in Serbia. International human rights groups have condemned the use of excessive force by security forces during protests, citing concerns over the safety and treatment of detainees.
Human rights advocates are calling for a “thorough, urgent, and independent investigation” into Kostić’s claims, urging authorities to collect all relevant evidence to avoid any potential contamination of the case. The BCLJP also stresses the importance of transparency, urging the prosecutor to investigate any potential cover-ups, including the possible destruction of video footage or the manipulation of witness statements.
Calls for Justice and Reform in Serbia’s Police Force
As the investigation unfolds, calls for police reform in Serbia are intensifying. Critics argue that such incidents highlight the need for stronger safeguards to protect citizens’ rights during protests and detentions. Both opposition leaders and civil society groups are calling for systemic changes to ensure accountability and prevent further abuse.
The case of Ilija Kostić has become a symbol of growing tensions between the Serbian government and its critics, with widespread calls for justice and transparency. As protests continue outside the Novi Sad court, the situation remains a focal point for those demanding reforms in the treatment of protesters and detainees.
