N1 learns: Longtime Serbian counterterrorism chief retires

The outlet Radar reported that Vulevic had repeatedly refused demands for his unit to intervene against protesters, a stance that allegedly strained relations with the political leadership.

At the same time as Vulevic’s retirement, responsibility for guarding the US Embassy in Belgrade, a task SAJ has carried out for nearly two decades, is gradually being transferred to the Protection Unit (JZO), commanded by Marko Kricak, according to Radar.

Vulevic has served in the Ministry of Interior since 1993 and led SAJ for nearly 20 years. He was the first Serbian police officer to graduate from the prestigious FBI Academy. Weekly Vreme notes that under his leadership, SAJ remained “remarkably free of scandals, with professionally trained and disciplined members.”

According to Vreme, Vulevic consistently resisted attempts to transform SAJ into a “praetorian guard” for the government, behaviour that was perceived at the political top as disobedience. His authority within the police reportedly became problematic precisely because he opposed using the unit against civilians.

Radar recalls that Vulevic’s name was linked to the latest wave of purges within the Ministry of Interior, arguing that his retirement highlights a shift: “professionals with integrity are leaving the police, while politically loyal cadres take their place.”

Vulevic’s departure is seen not only as the end of an era for SAJ, but also as a political signal that the police leadership has no place for those unwilling to, as Vreme put it, “turn the unit into an instrument of repression against citizens.”

Commenting on the news, Marinika Tepic, vice-president of the Freedom and Justice Party, wrote on X that Vulevic’s retirement was forced because he “refused to turn SAJ into a praetorian guard for the authorities.” She added that it came shortly after a Ministry meeting where he reportedly told colleagues: “Take it easy, people, it doesn’t work that way.”