Opposition: Novi Sad Epicenter of Organized Crime

Novi Sad (BETAPHOTO/Dragan Gojic)

The United for a Free Novi Sad coalition made up of 12 opposition parties and movements said on May 21 that because of the Serbian Progressive Party's rule Novi Sad "has become the epicenter of organized crime."

In a statement the coalition said that over the past 12 years "a very strong connection between the government and criminals has been created."  "Novi Sad has always had a specific mentality, it was always a city of peaceful, moderate, temperate, reasonable and prudent people. There was never any crime in this city or it was always limited to the least possible amount. Then 12 years ago Novi Sad became the epicenter not of crime, but organized crime," the coalition said.

The coalition warned that "because of the high level of corruption" Novi Sad "is losing billions of dinars that are needed to develop the city and for its normal functioning." "We must change this. We must resolutely and courageously crack down on crime and corruption in the city, which is not possible without changing the government. No one here knows any more who created whom, the government criminals or criminals the incumbent government," the United for a Free Novi Sad coalition said.