Serbian security agency denies wrongdoing in arrest of politician

The Security Information Agency (BIA) statement came after Republican Party leader Nikola Sandulovic’s lawyer claimed that his client was arrested by BIA agents and beaten to the point that he required hospitalization. Sandulovic was arrested on charges of inciting ethnic, racial and religious hatred after he posted an X video of himself laying a wreath on the memorial of Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK) founder Adem Jasari. The Republican Party is a non-parliamentary opposition party.

The BIA denied that “there was any violation of freedom and rights or any illegal use of force against Sandulovic during activities in line with the legally defined jurisdiction of the Agency”. The statement added that BIA personnel were investigating Sandulovic’s illegal activities.

“By expressing lies on the alleged illegal actions of BIA personnel, Sandulovic and other promoters of the independence of so-called Kosovo want to misinform and upset the domestic and foreign public, damage the reputation of the BIA and destabilize the security situation in the Republic of Serbia,” the statement said.
It added that BIA personnel will continue to “act professionally and responsibly to protect order and the security of the Republic of Serbia and its citizens”.