The fourth hearing in the General Staff case is set to take place on September 21, with significant attention focused on the testimony of Estela Radonjić Živkov. Radonjić Živkov, a conservator with the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, is expected to testify against Nikola Selaković, Serbia’s Minister of Culture. This case has raised concerns about witness intimidation and political pressure, as Radonjić Živkov has reported feeling threatened and believes the legal actions against her are politically motivated to undermine her credibility as a witness.
Radonjić Živkov has been embroiled in legal proceedings initiated by the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade, related to public procurement and restoration works at the Tsaričin grad archaeological site and the Manasija monastery. These proceedings began shortly after a previous hearing in the General Staff case, and Radonjić Živkov has refused to provide a statement to the Criminal Police Directorate on the advice of her lawyer. She contends that the ultimate goal of these actions is to arrest her before the upcoming hearing, thereby damaging her reputation and credibility through regime media portrayal as a “corrupt person.”
Professional associations, the academic community, and civil society organizations have expressed their concerns, suggesting that these actions constitute an attempt to intimidate a key witness. They argue that such pressure undermines the freedom of experts to provide testimony without fear of retribution. The Association of Architects of Serbia has also highlighted these issues in a letter to Jared Kushner, emphasizing the broader implications for Serbia’s reputation as a safe business environment.
The General Staff case has previously seen allegations of witness intimidation and political interference, drawing significant attention due to its implications for cultural heritage preservation and the involvement of government officials. The situation has been further complicated by claims that the Ministry of Culture, led by Selaković, has been involved in undermining the credibility of key witnesses.
Radonjić Živkov’s legal team and supporters argue that the actions against her are part of a broader strategy to discredit those who oppose certain government projects, such as the controversial hotel development on the General Staff complex in Belgrade. This project, initially involving Kushner, was abandoned following public backlash and concerns about cultural heritage preservation.
As the hearing approaches, there are uncertainties regarding the potential outcomes and whether further legal actions against Radonjić Živkov will be pursued. The case highlights ongoing tensions in Serbia’s political landscape, particularly concerning the role of expert testimony and the independence of the judiciary. The situation remains a focal point for discussions about political freedom and the protection of cultural heritage in Serbia.
