Over 50 civil society organizations and activists have urged the Constitutional Court of Serbia to address a five-year-old constitutional complaint filed by actress Danijela Štajnfeld. This appeal, made through an open letter and petition, calls for action on Štajnfeld’s complaint regarding the lack of investigation into her allegations of sexual violence. Štajnfeld has expressed her distrust in institutions due to the prolonged inaction and the experiences she and her family have endured.

Štajnfeld’s case gained public attention in 2020 when she disclosed her experience of sexual violence in the film “Zaceli me.” Following her public statements, the Belgrade public prosecutor’s office initiated an investigation, which was later suspended due to insufficient evidence. Štajnfeld claims she never formally reported the assault, and the investigation was launched without her consent. Despite providing the name of the alleged perpetrator to the prosecutor’s office under the assurance of confidentiality, the information was leaked, leading to public exposure.

Activist Ljiljana Todorović Jovanović, speaking to the media, expressed hope that the judiciary would finally respond to Štajnfeld’s complaint, emphasizing the need for institutional accountability. She highlighted that the case never advanced beyond preliminary proceedings and that Štajnfeld has faced multiple defamation lawsuits from the accused, Branislav Lečić, while her constitutional complaint remains unaddressed.

Štajnfeld has stated that she was compelled to participate in the process initiated by the prosecutor’s office and has had to defend herself against accusations of false reporting, even though she never filed a report. She has criticized the handling of her case, noting that other victims with evidence against the same perpetrator were not heard, and the case was prematurely closed. Štajnfeld continues to await a response from the Constitutional Court, stressing the importance of public awareness and institutional responsibility in protecting victims of sexual violence.

The broader implications of this case touch on the trust victims of sexual violence have in Serbian institutions, particularly regarding the protection of their identity and privacy. The delay in the Constitutional Court’s response raises concerns about the potential discouragement of other victims from coming forward. Civil society’s involvement underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in cases of sexual violence in Serbia.