Judicial independence remains one of the main challenges for Serbia on its path toward the European Union. Reports and testimonies from within the system point to political interference, pressure on judges and prosecutors, as well as a tense climate between the judiciary and the government.
According to judges, in some cases where rulings do not align with the government's interests, cases can be taken from one judge and transferred to another. Additionally, there have been instances of unexpected reassignments to new duties, which are seen as a form of pressure.
Prosecutors also speak of similar situations. There are cases where they face threats and intimidation. One of them described an incident where their car was burned after questioning individuals involved in a sensitive case.
Tensions escalated further after a serious incident in Novi Sad in 2024, where 16 people lost their lives. This sparked large protests and increased criticism toward institutions for a lack of accountability and political influence.
In this situation, some prosecutors have begun to act more independently, launching investigations that even involve high-ranking officials. However, at the same time, new laws have been proposed that change the way the prosecution and judiciary operate.
These laws have raised concerns even at the international level. The European Commission and the Venice Commission have called for their review, questioning whether they could increase political control over the judiciary.
On the other hand, Serbian authorities say the changes aim to improve the system and increase efficiency.