The trial of Novi Sad activists from the Free Citizens’ Movement (PSG) and the Stav group, accused of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order, has been postponed to 2 February 2026. The delay comes after the defense requested the recusal of prosecutors Slobodan Josimović, Branislav Lepotić, Tatjana Lagumdžija, and Chief Public Prosecutor Zagorka Dolovac, citing concerns over their impartiality.
Key developments from the first hearing include:
- Home detention lifted for activists Lazar Dinić, Marija Vasić, and Lado Jovović.
- The court refused the defense’s request for full audio recording of the trial, citing technical limitations and insufficient staff for transcripts.
- Supporters, including students and citizens, gathered outside the court to show solidarity with the activists ahead of the hearing.
The trial involves twelve activists, charged with preparing acts against Serbia’s constitutional order and security, in conjunction with the crimes of attacking the constitutional order and calling for violent changes. Some defendants are being tried in absentia, as they have been outside the country for over eight months.
- Defendants Mladen Cvijetić, Srđan Đurić, Marija Vasić, Lado Jovović, Davor Stefanović, and Lazar Dinić are present.
- Defendants Mili Pajić, Branislav Đorđević, Anja Pitulić, Jovan Dražić, Doroteja Antić, and Dejan Bagarić are being tried in absentia.
The prosecution seeks maximum legal penalties, based largely on a wiretapped conversation about a student protest on 15 March.
Defense lawyers argue:
- The wiretap was obtained illegally.
- The criminal complaint focuses on what the activists allegedly thought rather than what they actually said.
- The trial is effectively a politically motivated prosecution against dissenters of the regime.
Supporters have warned: “This is a message to all of us: stay silent, or you will be next.”
