Lawyers in Serbia Strike Over Colleague’s Detention: Is Justice Really Served?
The Administrative Board of the Serbian Bar Association (AKS) has decided to halt lawyers’ work for three days in criminal and misdemeanor cases. The trigger? Their colleague from Užice, Radovan Novaković, was arrested and given a 30-day detention. Yes, you read that right – lawyers are ready to stop and say “enough” because they believe justice has failed.
What exactly happened?
Seven citizens were arrested after blocking the main road in Užice, including Novaković. The Basic Court in Užice decided to detain them on suspicion of attacking an official and because they might repeat the criminal offense. Lawyers, of course, do not accept this decision and believe the detention is unjustified and threatens their work and rights.
Strike with a clear goal
The work stoppage applies only to criminal and misdemeanor proceedings, while civil and non-litigious cases will continue. Lawyers will file legal remedies and appeals but will not represent clients in criminal cases during the strike. Nemanja Jolović, Secretary of the AKS Administrative Board, clearly stated that this is a response to the detention of their colleague and they hope the situation will be resolved quickly.
Why does this matter?
This situation casts a shadow over Serbia’s judicial system. If lawyers, who are the pillars of justice, cannot work due to pressure and detention, what does that mean for ordinary citizens? Is justice really blind, or is it only blind to those who fight for it?
What do the lawyers say?
Ognjen Radić, a member of the Serbian Bar Association, confirmed that this strike is different from previous ones and only covers criminal and misdemeanor cases. He emphasized that this is a clear signal that lawyers do not accept such decisions that, as they say, endanger their profession and the rights of their clients.
Court and detention
The Basic Court in Užice announced that detention was ordered because there is a risk that the suspects will repeat the criminal offense. Detention was ordered for Radovan Novaković, Pavle Cicvarić, Dejan Ćosić, Vladan Sinđić, Marko Radovanović, Branko Nikolić, and Aleksa Nikolić. All were arrested after blocking the main road and are suspected of attacking an official.
What’s next?
This situation is just the tip of the iceberg of problems in the Serbian judiciary. Will the detention be lifted? Will lawyers continue the strike? And most importantly – will justice finally be served?
If you have an opinion on this legal drama or maybe a similar case from your experience, drop a comment below. Let the voice of the people be heard, because justice is not just for those in the courtroom, but for all of us!
Slug: advokati-srbija-strajk-zbog-pritvora-kolege
