Interpol has rejected Serbia’s request to issue an international arrest warrant for six members of the STAV activist group, who are accused of preparing acts against the constitutional order. The decision does not halt the proceedings before the Higher Court in Novi Sad, but it prevents their extradition through the channels of the international police organization. Defense attorneys, as well as the activists themselves, spoke to N1 about the possible consequences of Interpol’s decision.
They crossed the border as students, but for the past 16 months returning has not been an option. While Serbia has sought their extradition, Interpol has drawn the line, refusing to place them on its list of internationally wanted persons.
“I’m glad that Interpol recognized what this is really about and concluded that this is not a genuine criminal proceeding, but rather a fabricated, politically motivated court case with no legal basis. There is no evidence on which we could be convicted,” said Doroteja Antić.
The decision from Lyon was first sent to Serbia’s Ministry of the Interior, then to the Higher Court in Novi Sad, and finally to the defense attorneys.
“Interpol analyzed the documentation submitted by the prosecuting authorities of the Republic of Serbia and concluded that this is a case of political persecution and that Interpol and its communication channels cannot be used for offenses of this nature. In other words, Interpol issued its assessment and determined that this is a politically motivated criminal case,” said defense attorney Željko Kočić.
Attorney and League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina (LSV) vice president Aleksandar Olenik also believes the proceedings are politically motivated.
“The largest, most effective, and most respected international police organization has officially told Aleksandar Vučić’s government that it is carrying out political persecution and that Interpol will not participate in it. That is exactly what we in the League have been saying for the past year and a half. The state is carrying out state terrorism against its own citizens. It is not acting against criminals—it is targeting its own people simply to remain in power. Now Interpol has officially confirmed that,” Olenik said.
Interpol’s decision prevents the issuance of an international arrest warrant, but the court proceedings in Serbia will continue.
“The presiding judge now has before him a document from a highly respected international police organization classifying this as a political criminal case. That is what we have argued from the very beginning—that the 12 students and activists from Novi Sad committed no criminal offense and that this is purely political persecution. The court should therefore issue an acquittal,” attorney Kočić emphasized.
Twelve activists from STAV and the Movement of Free Citizens were arrested ahead of the March 15, 2025 protest in Belgrade, shortly after recordings of a wiretapped conversation were broadcast on several television stations. Six of them spent seven months in detention, while the other six have been living abroad ever since.
“What we have irreversibly lost are 16 months of relatively carefree lives that we could have continued living. We have also lost the opportunity to see our families, our friends, and to join our fellow activists in the streets,” said Doroteja Antić.
Interpol told N1 that it could not respond to questions about the case because information concerning investigations falls under the jurisdiction of its member states. By the time the report was aired, Serbia’s Ministry of the Interior had not responded to questions submitted by the broadcaster.
MORE TOPICS:
SILVER SHINES LIKE GOLD: Little eagles defeated by host Slovenia in the European Championship final!
Source: N1; Foto: Journal of Democracy