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Novi Sad court orders house arrest for 3 of 6 imprisoned activists

2025-05-20 20:32:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The Court of Appeals in Novi Sad on Tuesday ordered the release of three of six imprisoned political activists from prison, following widespread protests and international criticism.

But the Appeal ordered that the three activists, Marija Vasic, Lado Jovovic and Lazar Dinic, be sent to house arrest while legal proceedings against them are ongoing on suspicion of anti-state activities.

For the other three activists, Mladen Cvijeti?, Srdan ?uri? and Davor Stefanovi?, the Appeal overturned the Supreme Court's decision and returned the case to the first instance court for a new decision.

Activists and citizens have been protesting continuously since May 15, blocking the High Court in Novi Sad, after it made a decision last week to extend the detention of the six activists.

The six activists from Novi Sad were arrested on March 14, the day before a mass protest in Belgrade.

They are accused of preparing a criminal offense against the constitutional order and security of Serbia.

Before their arrest, an audio recording of a wiretapped conversation during a meeting of activists was broadcast on pro-government television stations with national coverage, where plans were discussed to promote the idea of ??a transitional government during the protest in Belgrade and to organize an entrance to the building of the Serbian Radio and Television.

Defense attorneys have stated several times that the conversation was illegally wiretapped by the Bureau of Internal Security (BIA) and that the recording cannot be used as valid legal evidence in this process.

One of the activists, professor Marija Vasi?, went on a hunger strike in detention and was transferred to the prison hospital in Belgrade over the weekend due to her deteriorating health.

The European Commission said on Monday that it was deeply concerned about the deteriorating health condition of Marija Vasic.

"We expect the authorities to act responsibly and provide her with appropriate medical care," a European Commission spokesperson said in a response to Radio Free Europe.

The European Commission also states that it is closely monitoring this case and that, as in other cases, a fair trial must be ensured in this case as well.

"We expect that the conditions of detention are in line with respect for fundamental rights, including human dignity," the European Commission said when asked by Radio Free Europe how they view the case of the detention of activists and students from Novi Sad, as well as the developments following Marija Vasi?'s strike./ REL