The Nova Demokratska stranka Srbije (Novi DSS) has called for urgent action following the arson attack on the vehicle of prosecutor Vukašin Vujičić in Valjevo. The party demands that authorities swiftly identify and disclose the perpetrator responsible for setting the car ablaze. Vujičić, a prosecutor at the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Valjevo, is recognized for his resistance to external pressures and is currently handling a case against a criminal group reportedly linked to the ruling Srpska napredna stranka (SNS).

In a statement, Novi DSS highlighted the seriousness of the incident, emphasizing that it goes beyond mere property damage. The party expressed concern over the pressures, targeting, and threats that Vujičić reportedly faced prior to the attack, as per publicly available information. They stressed the need for transparency and accountability, urging that the public be informed about who issued threats, who targeted the prosecutor, and who believed they could intimidate Vujičić without consequences.

Srđan Milivojević, the president of the Democratic Party (DS), has characterized the arson as part of a broader intimidation strategy employed by the government. He directly implicated Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, asserting that the attack on Vujičić’s car is aligned with a policy of fear perpetuated by the regime. Milivojević argued that in a system where power is centralized under one individual, orders for such attacks, the protection of perpetrators, and accountability lead back to the central figure of power, which he identified as Vučić.

Milivojević further claimed that Vujičić’s vehicle was not randomly targeted, noting that Vujičić is actively prosecuting individuals associated with the SNS and has been vocal against threats to the judiciary from Vučić. He warned that the more repression is ordered, the more challenging the regime’s eventual downfall will be, and the longer the list of offenses for which they will be held accountable.

The DS leader also conveyed a message to Vučić, asserting that the era of intimidation is over and expressing solidarity with Vujičić and others within the institutions who refuse to submit to the regime. Milivojević emphasized that justice is essential for Serbia’s full recovery and that the future of the country depends on addressing crimes committed over the past 14 years. He called for a thorough establishment of accountability to restore a state that protects its citizens and prevent the resurgence of a regime like Vučić’s.

This incident adds to the ongoing tensions between the Serbian government and the judiciary, with previous reports highlighting accusations of political intimidation and violence against political opponents and judicial figures. Concerns about the rule of law in Serbia have been raised in light of these events, indicating a challenging political climate.

The attack on Vujičić’s car underscores the contentious relationship between the ruling party and those within the judiciary who are perceived as opposing the current administration. As Serbia navigates this fraught political landscape, the call for transparency and accountability in this case reflects broader concerns about judicial independence and the integrity of democratic institutions in the country.