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Prosecutor drops surveillance case against students

The Belgrade Higher Public Prosecutor has dropped charges against student Luka Stevanović and eight colleagues after sixteen months of surveillance. The group had been suspected of subverting the constitutional order, but the evidence against them—which Stevanović says made him feel like a mobile eavesdropper for the state—was eventually deemed inadmissible. The unraveling of the situation has led some students to believe they were monitored illegally.

The Security and Information Agency (BIA) has responded to the shift in momentum by dismissing its deputy director, Tomislav Radovanović, who was previously linked to a wiretapping affair involving Aleksandar Vučić. The agency denies that any wider purge is underway, describing reports of further dismissals as a hybrid attack on national security.

Elsewhere, Prosecutor Branko Stamenković has pledged to remove what he calls a cancer in the prosecution by initiating disciplinary proceedings against his own colleagues. This housekeeping arrives as high-profile figures, including singer Jelena Karleuša and owners linked to a major construction firm, face new allegations of corruption. The Student Movement is also demanding an investigation into public procurement and irregularities within the construction sector, asserting that accountability should not be deferred to future administrations.

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Students Acquitted in Surveillance Case

The Belgrade Higher Public Prosecutor's Office has dropped charges against student Luka Stevanović and eight other students who were under state surveillance for 16 months, suspected of preparing to subvert the constitutional order. Stevanović described his experience as a 'mobile eavesdropper,' detailing illegal monitoring by the BIA and the use of unlawfully obtained evidence, which was later excluded from the case. The students express relief but regret not having the opportunity to present…

BIA Deputy Director Dismissed Amid Wiretapping Scandal

Tomislav Radovanović, the Deputy Director of the Security and Information Agency (BIA), has been dismissed from his role. This dismissal is reportedly the latest in a series of changes within the BIA following revelations about the wiretapping of media outlets and public figures, and his past involvement with Dijana Hrkalović's team and the wiretapping affair concerning former President Vučić. The BIA, however, publicly denied other reports of dismissals, calling them part of a 'hybrid attack'…

Prosecutor Announces Internal Corruption Sweep

Prosecutor Branko Stamenković announced criminal and disciplinary proceedings against several prosecutors, describing the effort as removing 'cancer in the prosecution.' He also discussed the political backing of Nenad Stefanović and improper handling of the 'sound cannon' case, indicating a significant internal cleanup within the judicial system.

New Corruption Allegations Against Public Figures

A criminal complaint for corruption has been filed against singer Jelena Karleuša and former Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) Director Manja Grčić. The complaint stems from publicly revealed correspondence where Karleuša allegedly sought Grčić's help to secure employment for a journalist at RTS, promising a 'big return of favors.' Karleuša has previously been accused of calling for violence against students during protests, which she now denies.

Millennium Team Owners Face Arrest Warrants for Illegal Construction

The Third Basic Public Prosecutor's Office has issued explicit written orders for the arrest of Ivan Bošnjak and Stojan Vujko, owners of Millennium Team, and Andreja Đulić, director of Danube Riverside, on suspicion of construction without a permit at the former Hotel Jugoslavija site. Millennium Team denies they were arrested, stating they only spoke with police, and their lawyers have sought the recusal of the prosecuting attorney and chief prosecutor, temporarily halting the process.

Alta Bank Investigation Reveals Potential Counterfeit Currency

An ongoing investigation into Alta Bank is exploring the potential presence of counterfeit 500 euro banknotes in its vault, adding a new dimension to the bank's troubles. The bank's owner, Davor Macura, was recently detained, and the National Bank of Serbia revoked Alta's license due to its deteriorating financial position.

Economist Warns of Job Losses Post-Election

Economist Milojko Arsić predicts a decline in employment within companies that previously relied on support from the outgoing government. He highlighted the risks to public finances from Belgrade's and Telekom's debts and discussed strategies to protect jobs.

Students' Political Movement Gains Momentum

A statement from student groups, accompanied by a 'Students are winning' sign, indicates a growing political movement targeting specific politicians in southern Serbia. Additionally, a visit by student representatives to Kosovo has sparked debate within the Kosovo parliament's committee.

Fitch Ratings Assigns Positive Outlook Post-Election

Following the recent elections, Fitch Ratings has assigned Serbia an initial credit rating with a positive outlook. The agency acknowledged macroeconomic stability but emphasized the need for clarity on the new government's economic and fiscal priorities.

Transparency Serbia Monitors Caretaker Government

Transparency Serbia is actively monitoring the caretaker government's actions, identifying 27 acts as high risk and 134 as elevated risk. These concerns relate to long-term contracts, state asset management, and personnel decisions, although the organization notes these are risk assessments, not necessarily illegalities.

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