Serbia's police and courts lose public trust after Senjak restaurant murder

A murder occurred on 12 May at the "27" restaurant in Belgrade's Senjak district. Former Belgrade police chief Veselin Milić and ten others were arrested in connection with the killing of Aleksandar Nešović Baji. The higher public prosecutor later rejected part of the criminal complaint against Milić due to insufficient evidence, but asked the court to extend the detention of seven suspects for up to 30 days.

Opposition politician Slobodan Cvejić (SRCE) said the case further erodes citizens' confidence in the police and judiciary, describing it as a possible staged event involving high‑level political and criminal interests. Government adviser Ibro Ibrahimović warned that trust in the police must not be lost over a single incident, urging reforms and stricter enforcement of existing rules.

Both officials highlighted the broader implications for state credibility, noting that similar high‑profile crimes have fueled political polarization and calls for stronger anti‑corruption measures within Serbian law‑enforcement agencies.