Serbia presidential pardons spark transparency concerns

Speculation is growing in Serbia regarding the identities of 49 individuals pardoned by Aleksandar Vučić on the final day of his mandate. Authorities have not released the names for over two weeks, leading to concerns over transparency and potential misuse of power.

Vladimir Prijović, President of the Belgrade Bar Association, stated he has received information suggesting the list includes individuals accused in high-profile cases, such as the General Staff investigation and the canopy collapse that resulted in 16 deaths. Specifically, names such as Goran Vesić, Anita Dimovska, and Jelena Tanasković have been mentioned in connection to these speculations.

The Belgrade Bar Association has formally requested information from the acting President, Ana Brnabić, and the Minister of Justice. Prijović criticized the current administration for a lack of accountability, noting that the Ministry of Justice claims to have no knowledge of the pardons, which he argues contradicts legal requirements stating that the Minister of Justice must initiate the pardon process.