This evening, the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office (HPO) in Belgrade announced that it is currently handling eight criminal cases related to offenses that occurred during student protests and blockades in recent times. Notably, one case has already concluded with a final verdict involving an admission of guilt.

The statement indicated, “The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade has addressed all reported criminal offenses within its jurisdiction, while other incidents are being managed by the basic public prosecutor’s offices.”

The first case pertains to an event outside the Faculty of Dramatic Arts on November 22, 2024, with criminal proceedings initiated against five individuals for violent conduct at a public gathering.

“All five suspects have been interrogated, and video evidence from the incident has been collected. Summons have been dispatched to victims and witnesses to provide testimony at the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade on January 30 and 31,” the statement continued.

Regarding the protest on Woodrow Wilson Boulevard on November 27, the prosecutor’s office has requested that the police gather information to assess whether there are grounds for potential criminal charges that would require prosecution.

For the same incident, the HPO also reached out to the Internal Control Sector of the Ministry of Interior, requesting information and an interview with the Head of the Public Order and Peace Department of the Metropolitan Municipality Police Administration regarding the circumstances surrounding the riot or any inappropriate actions by him or other participants.

The third case involves an investigation into injuries sustained by members of the Belgrade Philharmonic during the “Stop Serbia” rally on December 6, including scrutiny of an individual suspected of driving his vehicle into rally attendees, injuring four.

“The suspect is currently in custody, a status extended by the court for an additional 30 days at the start of January upon the recommendation of the HPO. He faces charges of Violent Behavior at a Sports Event or Public Gathering, as outlined in Article 344a, Paragraph 4 of the Criminal Code,” the statement noted.

During the investigation, the suspect and all injured parties have been interrogated, and following a forensic examination of the injuries, a decision regarding charges will be made, according to the HPO.

The prosecution revealed that in the fourth case—concerning an attack on students near the Technical Faculties building during the “Stop Serbia” campaign on December 10—the defendant, Milan M. (48), admitted to violent behavior at a public gathering. He received a suspended six-month prison sentence, with three years’ probation and a fine of 50,000 dinars.

“The agreement specified that on December 10, at approximately 11:55 a.m., during the ‘Stop Serbia’ demonstration in front of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, he struck MJ, a law student participating in the rally, in the face after a verbal altercation,” the statement disclosed.

The fifth case pertains to an incident at the Faculty of Economics on December 27, when a vehicle broke through a student blockade on Karađorđeva Street, injuring a student by hitting him and then carrying him on the hood.

“The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade has solicited the police to gather further information to ascertain the facts surrounding this incident and decide on subsequent actions,” the statement revealed.

In the sixth case, evidentiary actions are underway against taxi driver MJ, who is suspected of violent behavior at a public gathering for reportedly hitting a person with his vehicle on December 22.

The seventh case involves an investigation of Marko P. (37), suspected of attempting to kill multiple individuals on January 16, 2025, in Ruzveltova Street, resulting in serious, life-threatening injuries to a female SP student.

The Higher Court in Belgrade remanded the suspect into custody at the prosecution’s request, charging him with attempted aggravated murder.

The eighth case was initiated against Milica S. (25), who is suspected of attempting to kill multiple people during a student blockade on January 24 at around 3 p.m., causing life-threatening injuries to KV.

“The suspect was not interrogated by the public prosecutor, as her appointed ex officio defense attorney was unable to enter the office due to a suspension of their work,” the HPO statement noted.

The prosecution has requested that the pre-trial judge of the Higher Court in Belgrade remand Milica S. into custody to prevent witness tampering, reoffending shortly, or public unrest. She faces charges of attempted aggravated murder.

(BETA)