Minister Seeks Accountability for Blocking of Judicial Organs

(BETAPHOTO/DRAGAN GOJIC)

Justice Minister Nenad Vujic urged the relevant organs on May 15 to establish the identities of those who attempted to block the work of judicial organs in several cities in Serbia on May 15, and launch proceedings to establish the grounds for the misdemeanor or criminal accountability of those who participated in the blockade or obstructed the work of the courts and prosecution.

In a statement published on the Ministry’s web-site, Vujic condemned the protests in front of judicial organs in several Serbian cities, held for the incarcerated Novi Sad activists, describing them as attempts to disrupt and prevent the work of courts and prosecution, and as “impermissible pressure.”

“Verdicts are not pronounced under pressure from the streets, nor is justice done in the streets, Anyone attempting to influence court decisions is flagrantly undermining the rule of law and the state of law,” the minister said, assessing that such behavior was dangerous, unacceptable and in violation of the constitutionally guaranteed rights.

Students and citizens staged protests in front of judicial organs in several cities in Serbia, in support of the six activists of the Movement of Free Citizens and the STAV organization, who have been held in custody for 60 days now under an indictment for undermining the constitutional order, and the court ruled on May 13 that they be held on remand for another 30 days.