Six held in Serbia for allegedly plotting violent overthrow of government

Six individuals suspected of plotting a violent overthrow of the government in Serbia have been arrested, the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) confirmed.

The arrests were carried out in coordination with the Security and Information Agency (SIA) and under the direction of the Belgrade High Prosecutor’s Office, Caliber.Az reports, referring to the ministry.

According to a statement from the police, the suspects allegedly convened at a hotel in the city of Kraljevo on June 21, where they planned acts of violence aimed at toppling the government of the Republic of Serbia. Authorities believe the group intended to orchestrate attacks on state institutions, physically assault police officers to disarm them, and carry out forced intrusions into government buildings.

Investigators also uncovered evidence of plans to use weapons in attacks targeting Serbian media outlets, specifically Serbian Radio and Television, as well as the broadcasters Hepi and Informer.

Searches conducted as part of the investigation revealed a pistol in the possession of one suspect, while a crossbow was discovered at the residence of another. The suspects are expected to be brought before the Belgrade High Prosecutor’s Office within 48 hours. Meanwhile, law enforcement operations and searches continue in several other locations.

The High Prosecutor’s Office has stated that the detainees had expressed their intention not to return home until they had "killed or destroyed" representatives of state institutions.

This alleged plot emerges against the backdrop of widespread unrest in Serbia. Protests erupted following the deadly collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which claimed 15 lives. Initially sparked by accusations of government corruption and negligence, the demonstrations have grown steadily in size and intensity in the months since the tragedy.

By Tamilla Hasanova