Serbian coup plot foiled: Authorities arrest multiple suspects
Suspects in attempted coup detained in Serbia (Photo: Getty Images)
Six people have been arrested in Serbia on suspicion of planning a violent overthrow of the government, according to Radio Svoboda.
“There is reason to believe that on June 21, they met at a hotel in Kraljevo with the intention of planning a violent overthrow of the government of the Republic of Serbia and organizing attacks on state officials, physical assaults on police officers in order to disarm them, and violent invasions of the government building and other institutions,” the police statement said.
According to law enforcement, the investigation revealed that an attack in Serbia was being planned, including a public announcement about the use of weapons targeting local media:
- Radio Television of Serbia,
- Happy TV (Hepi),
- Informer.
According to the Belgrade Higher Prosecutor’s Office, the detained individuals intended not to return home until they had killed or eliminated representatives of state institutions.
Prosecutors say a handgun was found during a search of one suspect, while another was found in possession of a crossbow. They will be brought before the Belgrade Higher Prosecutor’s Office within 48 hours. Searches at several other locations are still ongoing.
Protests in Serbia against the government
Discontent with the actions of the local authorities has been growing in Serbia for some time. In November 2024, a railway disaster in one of the country’s cities claimed lives, sparking a protest in Belgrade.
At the end of January 2025, President Aleksandar Vučić acknowledged the possibility of holding early parliamentary elections. In March, he stated he was ready to call elections if the opposition demanded it.
Around the same time, the Serbian parliament dismissed the government following student protests triggered by the collapse of a train station roof in Novi Sad.
