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Serbia investigates allegations of state document disposal

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2026-10-31 13:20 UTC → 2026-10-31 22:48 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In Serbia, police are investigating allegations regarding the destruction or improper disposal of official documents. In Žitorađa, authorities seized paperwork after reports that documents were removed from a municipal building and discarded in a container. The Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Prokuplje ordered a police investigation after citizens reported finding bags of documents in a public container. Investigations have expanded to include allegations that important papers were shredded and bagged at the PIO Fund, alongside similar claims regarding the Ministry of Health. In Bor, law enforcement intervened at a PIO Fund branch following reports that bags containing documentation were being moved late at night, with investigations reportedly focusing on the involvement of a company named SN Cleaning. A student group raised alarms after witnessing this late-night removal, prompting the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Bor to order a police investigation. Criminal police officers entered the Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure to verify reports of potential document destruction. The Ministry stated it is cooperating fully and that the action was part of a standard verification process. In Novi Sad, Bojan Panaotović, director of the Cultural Center of Novi Sad, was called by police to provide information regarding the removal of old magazines and stage scenery, following social media allegations of evidence destruction. In Belgrade, the Third Basic Public Prosecutor's Office reported that ten bags found outside the Zemun Municipality contained only shredded copies of official records rather than originals. Prosecutors interviewed 21 individuals, including the municipal president and heads of public procurement and common affairs, to determine the reasons for the disposal, though no criminal offenses have been established at this time. Regarding these claims, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a categorical denial, labeling rumors of document destruction within its department as disinformation. Former Finance Ministry State Secretary Slobodan Ilić noted that while paper destruction is a concern, modern digital footprints make the total removal of information nearly impossible. Separately, in Prezid, Croatia, Mayor Antonio Dražović reported an ecological incident where a firefighting drill involving abandoned houses reportedly resulted in the burning of asbestos. Authorities are investigating whether proper handling regulations were followed. The municipality also reported fecal contamination of the Mlake spring due to the dumping of septic tank contents.

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