The Higher Public Prosecution in Belgrade has filed an indictment against six individuals on suspicion of preparing to forcibly overthrow the government of Serbia. Two of the accused are also charged with unauthorized possession and use of firearms and ammunition.
Accused Include Opposition Figure and Union Leader
Among the accused are Ivan Matović, an opposition activist from the city of Kraljevo; Novica Antić, former head of the Military Union of Serbia; and at least two war veterans who have expressed support for student protests.
The prosecution has requested the court to extend the detention of Ivan M., Novica A., and Branko M., while extending the house arrest for Aleksandar I. and Vidan K. to prevent a potential repetition of the criminal offense in the near future.
According to the Serbian Prosecution’s press release, there is a reasonable suspicion that on June 21, the accused met at a bar in Kraljevo where they allegedly planned to commit a crime, agreeing and organizing with others to take actions aimed at violating Serbia’s constitutional order.
Prosecution Cites Transcripts and Seized Weapons
The Belgrade Prosecution has also published a transcript of a conversation allegedly recorded at the bar where the accused met. The transcript discusses organizing a protest on June 28 in Belgrade, including travel plans, the number of participants, and the actions to be taken.
According to the prosecution, one of the accused is quoted as saying: “You go in, you occupy the Government building, you block it, and you don’t leave.”
On June 25, Ivan Matović was allegedly in contact with a person named Srdjan G. to discuss travel plans for the protest and the steps they would take. On the same day, police stopped Matović’s vehicle and found a pistol with a serial number removed, loaded with 7 rounds, and a box of 25 additional cartridges.
During a raid on the home where Branko M. was staying in Kragujevac, police found a rifle, nine boxes with a total of 135 rifle rounds, and two additional rifle rounds and two pistol rounds, all of which he did not have a license for.
The lawyer for the accused, Ivan Ninić, has previously stated that this is “a staged campaign by the regime” against political opponents.
The students who were blocking faculties ahead of the Vidovdan protest on June 28 had issued an ultimatum to the Serbian government, demanding early parliamentary elections and the suspension of a rival rally in central Belgrade. The protesting students have maintained that their actions are non-violent.
