STAV group: Interpol decision confirms we are facing political persecution, not criminal charges

The group members, who are currently in exile, said that in its explanation, Interpol characterized the matter as a political case, which is why it declined to act on Serbia’s request.

The activists noted that they have been subjected to what they describe as politically motivated persecution for 16 months. They pointed out that domestic arrest warrants have been issued against them, detention has been ordered, their personal documents have been revoked, and a trial in absentia has been scheduled.

STAV maintains that the legal proceedings are being conducted without evidence and are an attempt to intimidate activists and citizens who criticize the government.

In their statement, the group called on prosecutors and judges not to place themselves at the service of political interests, while urging citizens not to be afraid and to continue publicly expressing their views.

“You will not scare us; you cannot drive us away. Your hands are still bloody,” the members of STAV said.

The statement was signed by STAV activists Doroteja Antic, Branislav Djordjevic, Anja Pitulic, Jovan Drazic, and Mila Pajic, all of whom are currently in exile.

Lawyer Zeljko Kocic – one of the defense attorneys for the Novi Sad students and activists accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional order - said that Interpol had rejected the Serbian regime’s request for their arrest.

A total of 12 activists from the Movement of Free Citizens (PSG) and the STAV group have been charged with conspiracy against the constitutional order and security of the Republic of Serbia. The charges relate to the criminal acts of assaulting the constitutional order and inciting a violent overthrow of the government.

The legal proceedings against the 12 activists, six of whom are in Serbia while the other six are abroad, began on November 24 last year before the Higher Court in Novi Sad.