Vucic Issues Pardons for Novi Sad Activists Ahead of Resignation
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic used his pardon powers to release 12 activists from Novi Sad who were being tried over alleged plans to undermine the state. The move came just before he announced he would step down ahead of next month's elections, and it formed part of a broader pardon of 49 people. One of the activists told BIRN that the decision confirmed the charges had been constructed for political reasons.
Vucic issued the pardons shortly before stepping down and before elections scheduled for next month. Alongside the Novi Sad dozen, he cleared 49 people overall. That group included 23 tied to a year and a half of large student-led protests, plus 11 government supporters involved in incidents against demonstrators.
The Novi Sad defendants were associated with PSG and STAV. Their case stemmed from a recording made before a March 2025 demonstration, described as Serbia's largest. Six were held over seven months before release; six stayed abroad and faced proceedings in absentia. Vucic called the move mercy based on age and said security services had advised against it.
The pardons may reduce immediate legal pressure on the 12 activists and could end their proceedings, but may also deepen public distrust if critics see the timing as political. Voters ahead of next month's elections could interpret the move differently: some as mercy, others as confirmation of a fabricated case. The wider protest movement and rule-of-law advocates may remain mobilized, while pro-government supporters may feel their side was treated unevenly.