The Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) has issued an official statement addressing the intense public scrutiny and alleged misinformation surrounding the high-profile “Senjak” case and the violent anti-government protests that shook Belgrade’s Slavija Square on May 23.
The ministry rejected claims of institutional failure, asserting that all suspects linked to the “Senjak” case were processed in “record time.” According to MUP, the swift arrests demonstrate that the institutions of the Republic of Serbia are functioning effectively, that “no one is untouchable,” and that the state possesses the full capacity to confront all forms of crime.
Timeline of the “Senjak” Investigation
In response to public criticism regarding the handling of the investigation, MUP clarified the timeline of their operations to counter what they termed “numerous untruths and half-information” circulating in the media:
- May 13: The disappearance of the individual involved in the Senjak case was formally reported to the police, triggering an immediate, extensive search operation.
- May 14: The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office released its first official statement to transparently inform the public of the legal proceedings.
The ministry emphasized that the police acted responsibly, professionally, and strictly under the mandate of the competent prosecutor’s office, balancing public transparency with the need to protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation.
MUP Statement on State Interference: “The state leadership, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, does not conduct investigations nor does it curate the information released to the public. The work of the MUP and the prosecution is strictly regulated by the Criminal Procedure Code. Investigative data is shared exclusively in compliance with the law to avoid compromising field operations and evidence collection.”
Tensions Flare at Slavija Square Protests
The ministry also addressed the civil unrest on May 23 at Belgrade’s prominent Slavija Square, which was organized partly in response to the political fallout from the Senjak case. The protests have led to widespread calls for political accountability, including demands for the resignation of Interior Minister Ivica Dačić—who recently stated he sees no grounds for his resignation, claiming “political responsibility cannot be argued in this case.”
MUP strongly defended the conduct of law enforcement during the demonstrations, stating that officers acted entirely within the boundaries of the law despite facing severe hostility.
According to the official report, police units were subjected to coordinated attacks by demonstrators using:
- Stones and glass bottles
- Wooden poles
- Pyrotechnic devices and flares
The ministry concluded that riot police responded to the violence by deploying “minimal force” necessary to restore public order and protect state property.
