Niš Prosecutor's Office declines criminal charges against mayor

The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Niš has determined that no criminal offense was committed regarding a statement made by the mayor during protests last August. The mayor had referred to citizens as ‘Ustaše’ during the event.

Members of the Democratic Party in Niš had filed a criminal complaint following the incident, which sparked significant local debate and criticism from opposition politicians. Following an investigation, the prosecutor's office concluded there was no basis for suspicion of a criminal act and therefore no grounds to initiate or conduct criminal proceedings against the official.

Representatives from the Democratic Party expressed that they expected this legal outcome, suggesting that the judiciary is in a state of ‘censorship or self-censorship.’