Novi Sad Opposition Demands Urgent Release of Jailed Activists

Novi Sad City Hall (BETAPHOTO/DRAGAN GOJIC)

On April 28, Novi Sad’s united opposition demanded the urgent release of six activists suspected of attempting to topple Serbia’s constitutional order.

According to the press release, the six members of the Students Against Authoritarian Government (STAV) organization and the Movement of Free Citizens have been incarcerated for 40 days not because the law or justice so demand, but “because of brutal political repression and violence against justice.”

The statement went on to claim that the activists are being held “in inhumane conditions” at the Klisa County Jail in Novi Sad, “where poor hygiene and health conditions have seriously undermined their health.”

The activists were taken into custody on March 14, after several pro-regime television stations broadcast an audio recording of them the day before. The covert surveillance recording was made at the Movement of Free Citizens’ office in Novi Sad and allegedly reveals the activists discussing taking over state institutions and the public broadcasting service. in prison, after which he fled to Serbia. To date, none of the requests for his extradition have been granted.