Former VBA chief calls on public to record provocations by government at protest

According to Stojanovic, the events surrounding the injuring of a police officer in front of the Serbian state TV (RTS) building on March 10 serve to illustrate the character of the government over the past 13 years, which has been marked by coercion, threats, deception, and lies.

“Despite all the evidence in the case of gendarmerie trooper Lazar Bacic, who was struck by his colleagues, the authorities go even further, now through the latest statement from that unfortunate officer, who is being blackmailed. Can you imagine how many members of the Internal Affairs Ministry are forced to do things they believe they shouldn’t? I hope that in the coming days, all of them will realize this and stand with their people and the students, refusing to carry out orders that go against the fundamental code of conduct for professionals,” said the former chief of the Military Security Agency (VBA).

He emphasized that the true nature of the government is also evident in all the measures they have taken to hinder people from reaching Belgrade, such as blocking roads with agricultural machinery, setting up checkpoints, leaving paving stones outside the Parliament, as well as coerced individuals located in Pioneers’ Park.

“Former members of the special operations unit, alleged veterans, are also there, and all this is done under the pretense of defending the president from possible violent actions by demonstrators, but also in an attempt to undermine the magnificent gathering of people and students expected in Belgrade on March 15. Like many other citizens, I fear that the current government will stage any incidents necessary to justify what they’d already decided at the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) Main Board meeting and in the government - that they will finally attempt to break up the peaceful demonstrations, intimidate students and citizens, and finally supposedly demonstrate that they have the means to restore order in society,” Stojanovic said.

He expressed sincere hope that it will not come to that.

“Our students, who have shown tremendous wisdom, knowledge, and courage, will not be swayed by these provocations. I urge them not to enter any institutions but to document the violence and reveal to the public who it is that has been applying violence in society for years,” Stojanovic told N1.