Detention extended for three Novi Sad activists

The court issued its ruling on May 21. It said that, “considering the severity, nature, and manner of the alleged offense for which the defendants are reasonably suspected,” the chamber believes there are specific legal circumstances indicating that, if released, the defendants would likely commit the same offense again in a short period.

The three activists are suspected of having coordinated and planned to commit a criminal offense during a protest held on March 15 in Belgrade. As student and citizen protests continue “almost daily” with “the same, undiminished intensity” as the court said, the judicial panel concluded that detention “still remains the only appropriate and effective measure” to ensure the criminal proceedings can proceed without interference.

The ruling can be appealed to the Novi Sad Appeals Court within three days of its delivery.

The Novi Sad Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office has issued a charging document against individuals from this city suspected of acting against Serbia’s constitutional order and security. Six individuals have been detained in the case, while six others are at large.

On May 20, the Appeals Court in Novi Sad ordered the release from custody of sociology Professor Marija Vasic, who had been on a hunger strike, and two other activists. The case concerning the remaining three was sent back to the Higher Court for renewed proceedings.