Serbia: Group condemns presidential pardons for violating legal procedures

The group ‘Odbrana struke’ (Defense of the Profession) has condemned presidential pardons issued by former Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, alleging they were granted in violation of legal procedures. The group claims the pardons lacked authorized proposers and sufficient transparency, thereby undermining the principle of the separation of powers by allowing the executive branch to infringe upon judicial authority.

According to the group, these non-judicial decisions threaten the rights of victims and injured parties, potentially violating the European Convention on Human Rights. ‘Odbrana struke’ is demanding that the names of those pardoned and the specific reasons for each pardon be made public. They are also seeking clarification on who initiated the pardon processes and whether the Ministry of Justice provided positive opinions for the individuals involved.