Legal analysis

What the Constitution and laws of Serbia say

The analysis covers the whole course of conduct, not individual statements: the fire, the removal of traces before the investigation, and the public denial through the media — and how these parts connect. Each article is quoted verbatim in Serbian, with a working English translation and the version of the law.

This is not legal advice. Consult a lawyer before starting any proceedings. Statutory texts taken from paragraf.rs (consolidated texts) on 9 Oct 2026. Translations are unofficial.

Short answer

What is punishable, and what is not

The fireStrong

The criminal offence of causing general danger (Art. 278 Criminal Code) — the prosecutor’s own qualification. Where a large crowd is gathered: 1–8 years’ imprisonment; by negligence, up to 3 years. For organisers who disregarded fire-safety rules — Art. 278(2), same penalty.

Removal of traces before the investigationSerious — to be investigated

If the cleaning and ploughing were “with the intent of preventing or hindering evidence”: Art. 336(2) (3 months – 3 years); concealing traces to shield the perpetrators: Art. 333(2) (6 months – 5 years); if an official abused their position: Art. 359 (6 months – 5 years).

Public denial (“it’s AI”)On its own — weak

A false political statement is not a crime in itself (defamation was decriminalised; Art. 46 of the Constitution). But it is legally important as evidence of intent for the removal of traces, and a basis for proceedings before the media regulator and for damages.

The party as a legal entityPossible

A political party is a legal entity and the law does not exempt it from criminal liability. If an offence by its responsible person for the party’s benefit is proven: a fine of RSD 1 to 10 million per offence (up to RSD 500 million for several).

The chain of conduct

The fire5 Oct ≈ 19:00–19:26

S-01 S-10 M-05

Removal of traces6 Oct before 07:00

P-01 P-02 P-04

Denial in the media6–8 Oct

I-01 I-02 I-07

1Phase 1 — The fire

Flares and pyrotechnics at a pre-election rally, on the rampart of a protected cultural monument, in front of thousands of people. The prosecutor has already qualified the event under Art. 278 CC (P-07).

KZ Art. 278 st. 1 i 3Strong

(1) Ko požarom, poplavom, eksplozijom, otrovom ili otrovnim gasom, radioaktivnim ili drugim jonizujućim zračenjem, električnom energijom, motornom silom ili kakvom drugom opšteopasnom radnjom ili opšteopasnim sredstvom izazove opasnost za život ili telo ljudi ili za imovinu većeg obima, kazniće se zatvorom od šest meseci do pet godina i novčanom kaznom. […] (3) Ako su dela iz st. 1. i 2. ovog člana učinjena na mestu gde je okupljen veći broj ljudi, učinilac će se kazniti zatvorom od jedne do osam godina i novčanom kaznom.

(1) Whoever by fire, flood, explosion, poison or poisonous gas, radioactive or other ionising radiation, electric power, motor force or any other generally dangerous act or means causes danger to human life or limb or to property of larger scale, shall be punished by imprisonment of six months to five years and a fine. […] (3) If the acts referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 are committed at a place where a larger number of people are gathered, the offender shall be punished by imprisonment of one to eight years and a fine.

Penalty: para. 1: 6 months – 5 years + fine; para. 3 (large crowd): 1 – 8 years + fine
Applies to: Persons who lit the flares and pyrotechnics.
Must be proven: A concrete danger to people or property of larger scale; intent (at least eventual). According to the mayor, the rally gathered about 8,000 people (I-02).
Evidence now: S-01 S-02 S-14 S-10 M-05 P-07
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

KZ Art. 278 st. 5Strong

(5) Ako je delo iz st. 1, 3. i 4. ovog člana učinjeno iz nehata, učinilac će se kazniti zatvorom do tri godine.

(5) If the offence referred to in paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 is committed by negligence, the offender shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years.

Penalty: up to 3 years
Applies to: The most likely qualification for individual flare-holders.
Must be proven: Conscious or unconscious negligence (they did not foresee, though they could and should have, that flares would ignite dry grass).
Evidence now: S-02 S-13
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

KZ Art. 278 st. 2Serious — to be investigated

(2) Kaznom iz stava 1. ovog člana kazniće se službeno ili odgovorno lice koje ne postavi propisane uređaje za zaštitu od požara […] ili uopšte ne postupa po propisima ili tehničkim pravilima o merama zaštite i time izazove opasnost za život ili telo ljudi ili za imovinu većeg obima.

(2) The penalty under paragraph 1 shall apply to an official or responsible person who fails to install prescribed fire-protection devices […] or generally fails to act in accordance with regulations or technical rules on protective measures and thereby causes danger to human life or limb or to property of larger scale.

Penalty: 6 months – 5 years + fine; with para. 3 (at a gathering): 1 – 8 years
Applies to: Rally organisers and responsible persons who allowed or organised pyrotechnics and flares on the rampart of a protected monument.
Must be proven: Who organised and approved the fireworks and the torch march; which fire-safety and pyrotechnics rules were not followed; whether the rally was registered and who was responsible for stewarding; whether the Institute was notified (P-08).
Evidence now: M-01 M-09 P-08 P-10
Missing: Records of the rally registration and the fireworks approval.
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

KZ Art. 33, 34, 35Possible

Čl. 33: Ako više lica učestvovanjem u radnji izvršenja sa umišljajem ili iz nehata zajednički izvrše krivično delo […], svako od njih kazniće se kaznom propisanom za to delo. · Čl. 34 st. 1: Ko drugog sa umišljajem podstrekne da izvrši krivično delo, kazniće se kaznom propisanom za to krivično delo. · Čl. 35 st. 1: Ko drugom sa umišljajem pomogne u izvršenju krivičnog dela, kazniće se kaznom propisanom za to krivično delo, ili ublaženom kaznom.

Art. 33: If several persons, by participating in the act of commission, jointly commit a criminal offence with intent or by negligence […], each of them shall be punished by the penalty prescribed for that offence. · Art. 34(1): Whoever intentionally incites another to commit a criminal offence shall be punished by the penalty prescribed for that offence. · Art. 35(1): Whoever intentionally aids another in committing a criminal offence shall be punished by the penalty prescribed for that offence, or by a reduced penalty.

Penalty: As for the offence itself (Art. 278)
Applies to: Several flare-holders together (co-perpetration, including by negligence); those who handed out flares or organised the torch march (incitement/aiding — intent required).
Must be proven: Who procured and distributed the flares; a joint decision.
Evidence now: S-02 S-13
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

KZ Art. 212 st. 3Possible

(3) Ako je delom iz stava 1. ovog člana prouzrokovana šteta u iznosu koji prelazi milion i petsto hiljada dinara ili je delo učinjeno prema kulturnom dobru, zaštićenoj okolini nepokretnog kulturnog dobra, odnosno prema dobru koje uživa prethodnu zaštitu učinilac će se kazniti zatvorom od šest meseci do pet godina.

(3) If the offence under paragraph 1 [destroying or damaging another’s property] causes damage exceeding one million five hundred thousand dinars or is committed against a cultural property, the protected surroundings of an immovable cultural property, or property enjoying prior protection, the offender shall be punished by imprisonment of six months to five years.

Penalty: 6 months – 5 years
Applies to: Damage to the rampart of Niš Fortress as cultural property.
Must be proven: Intent (at least eventual); there is no negligent form of this offence. The Institute’s finding on damage has not been published.
Evidence now: P-03 P-04 P-08
Missing: The Niš Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments’ finding.
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

ZJRM Art. 17Possible

Ko paljenjem pirotehničkih proizvoda narušava javni red i mir ili ugrožava sigurnost građana - kazniće se novčanom kaznom od 50.000 do 100.000 dinara ili radom u javnom interesu od 40 do 120 časova. […] Ko prekršaj iz st. 1. i 2. ovog člana izvrši u grupi od tri i više lica - kazniće se kaznom zatvora od 30 do 60 dana.

Whoever disturbs public order and peace or endangers the safety of citizens by setting off pyrotechnic products shall be fined 50,000 to 100,000 dinars or sentenced to 40 to 120 hours of community work. […] Whoever commits the offence in a group of three or more persons shall be punished by imprisonment of 30 to 60 days.

Penalty: Misdemeanour: RSD 50,000–100,000 or community work; in a group, 30–60 days’ imprisonment
Applies to: Setting off pyrotechnics.
Evidence now: S-01 S-02
Source: Law on Public Order and Peace, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 6/2016 i 24/2018

2Phase 2 — Removal of traces before the investigation

Because of the darkness the duty prosecutor postponed the investigation and ordered police to guard the scene overnight (P-04). Even so, workers of the city utility “Mediana” cleaned and ploughed the burned area before 7 a.m. (P-01, P-02), before the investigation that began at 8 (P-03). Mediana’s director says that, to her knowledge, they did not clean (P-04), while Niš TV reported that same morning that “Mediana” was working “in the Fortress” (P-05).

KZ Art. 336 st. 2 (i st. 4)Serious — to be investigated

(2) Ko u nameri da spreči ili oteža dokazivanje sakrije, uništi, ošteti ili delimično ili potpuno učini neupotrebljivom ispravu, odnosno druge predmete koji služe za dokazivanje, kazniće se zatvorom od tri meseca do tri godine i novčanom kaznom. […] (4) Ako je delo iz stava 2. ovog člana učinjeno u krivičnom postupku, učinilac će se kazniti zatvorom od šest meseci do pet godina i novčanom kaznom.

(2) Whoever, with the intent of preventing or hindering the taking of evidence, conceals, destroys, damages or partly or wholly renders unusable a document or other objects serving as evidence, shall be punished by imprisonment of three months to three years and a fine. […] (4) If the offence under paragraph 2 is committed in criminal proceedings, the offender shall be punished by imprisonment of six months to five years and a fine.

Penalty: para. 2: 3 months – 3 years + fine; para. 4: 6 months – 5 years + fine
Applies to: Whoever ordered and whoever carried out the cleaning and ploughing of the burned area before the investigation.
Must be proven: Intent to prevent or hinder evidence — an innocent explanation (routine maintenance, preventing re-ignition) must be ruled out. Para. 4 probably does not apply: under CPC Art. 7, criminal proceedings begin only with an order to open an investigation.
Evidence now: P-01 P-02 P-03 P-04 P-05 P-09
Missing: Who ordered “Mediana” to work, and when; the work order; whether and how police guarded the scene overnight.
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

KZ Art. 333 st. 1, 2 i 4Serious — to be investigated

(1) Ko krije učinioca krivičnog dela ili mu prikrivanjem sredstava kojima je delo učinjeno, tragova ili na drugi način pomaže da ne bude otkriven […], kazniće se novčanom kaznom ili zatvorom do tri godine. (2) Ko pruži pomoć učiniocu krivičnog dela za koje je propisana kazna zatvora preko pet godina, kazniće se zatvorom od šest meseci do pet godina. […] (4) Kazna za delo iz stava 1. ovog člana ne može biti teža ni po vrsti ni po visini od kazne propisane za krivično delo koje je izvršilo lice kojem je pružena pomoć.

(1) Whoever harbours the perpetrator of a criminal offence or, by concealing the means by which the offence was committed, the traces, or in another way, helps him avoid being discovered […], shall be punished by a fine or imprisonment of up to three years. (2) Whoever aids the perpetrator of an offence punishable by more than five years’ imprisonment shall be punished by imprisonment of six months to five years. […] (4) The penalty under paragraph 1 may not be more severe in type or amount than the penalty prescribed for the offence committed by the person aided.

Penalty: para. 1: fine or up to 3 years; para. 2: 6 months – 5 years (because Art. 278(3) carries more than 5 years)
Applies to: Concealing traces of the fire to protect the perpetrators.
Must be proven: Knowledge of the offence and intent to help the perpetrators avoid discovery.
Evidence now: P-01 P-02 P-04 P-14
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

KZ Art. 359 st. 1Possible

(1) Službeno lice koje iskorišćavanjem svog službenog položaja ili ovlašćenja, prekoračenjem granice svog službenog ovlašćenja ili nevršenjem svoje službene dužnosti pribavi sebi ili drugom fizičkom ili pravnom licu kakvu korist, drugom nanese kakvu štetu ili teže povredi prava drugog, kazniće se zatvorom od šest meseci do pet godina.

(1) An official who, by exploiting his official position or authority, exceeding the limits of his official authority or failing to perform his official duty, obtains any benefit for himself or another natural or legal person, causes any damage to another or seriously violates another’s rights, shall be punished by imprisonment of six months to five years.

Penalty: 6 months – 5 years
Applies to: A city official (an “official” under Art. 112(3)(2) CC: “an elected, appointed or designated person in … a local self-government body”) if he ordered the city utility to remove traces for the party’s benefit.
Must be proven: A specific order by the official and a benefit for the party (protecting its electoral image) or a serious violation of rights.
Evidence now: P-01 P-04 P-05
Missing: Any evidence of who issued the order.
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

KZ Art. 361 st. 1Weak

(1) Službeno lice koje kršenjem zakona ili drugih propisa ili opštih akata, propuštanjem dužnosti nadzora ili na drugi način očigledno nesavesno postupa u vršenju službe, iako je bilo svesno ili je bilo dužno i moglo biti svesno da usled toga može nastupiti teža povreda prava drugog ili imovinska šteta, pa takva povreda, odnosno šteta u iznosu koji prelazi četristopedeset hiljada dinara i nastupi, kazniće se novčanom kaznom ili zatvorom do tri godine.

(1) An official who, by violating laws or other regulations, failing to exercise supervision or otherwise, acts in an obviously negligent manner in the performance of duty, although aware or obliged and able to be aware that this may cause a serious violation of another’s rights or property damage, and such violation or damage exceeding 450,000 dinars occurs, shall be punished by a fine or imprisonment of up to three years.

Penalty: fine or up to 3 years
Applies to: Police, if they failed to guard the scene as the prosecutor ordered.
Must be proven: Obvious negligence and a consequence (serious violation of rights or damage over RSD 450,000) — the threshold is hard to prove.
Evidence now: P-04
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

KZ Art. 332 st. 2Weak

(2) Službeno ili odgovorno lice koje svesno propusti da prijavi krivično delo za koje je saznalo u vršenju svoje dužnosti, ako se za to delo po zakonu može izreći pet godina zatvora ili teža kazna, kazniće se zatvorom od šest meseci do pet godina.

(2) An official or responsible person who knowingly fails to report a criminal offence learned of in the performance of their duty, where that offence is punishable by five years’ imprisonment or more, shall be punished by imprisonment of six months to five years.

Penalty: 6 months – 5 years
Applies to: City officials who knew of the fire (Art. 278 meets the 5-year threshold).
Must be proven: That the knowledge was acquired “in the performance of duty” (disputable if they attended as party officials); the prosecutor already knew of the event that night.
Evidence now: M-01 I-02
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

ZKP Art. 280Strong

Državni i drugi organi, pravna i fizička lica prijavljuju krivična dela za koja se goni po službenoj dužnosti, o kojima su obaveštena ili za njih saznaju na drugi način, pod uslovima predviđenim zakonom ili drugim propisom. […] Podnosilac krivične prijave iz stava 1. ovog člana navešće dokaze koji su mu poznati i preduzeće mere da bi se sačuvali tragovi krivičnog dela, predmeti na kojima je ili pomoću kojih je učinjeno krivično delo i drugi dokazi.

State and other bodies, legal and natural persons shall report criminal offences prosecuted ex officio of which they are informed or learn otherwise, under conditions prescribed by law or other regulation. […] The person filing the complaint shall state the evidence known to them and take measures to preserve the traces of the criminal offence, the objects on which or by means of which it was committed, and other evidence.

Penalty: Not an offence — it sets out a duty
Applies to: Public bodies, including the City, are obliged to preserve traces of a criminal offence. Acting contrary to that duty is circumstantial evidence of intent for Arts 336 and 333.
Evidence now: P-01 P-04
Source: Criminal Procedure Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 72/2011 … 62/2021 – odluka US

3Phase 3 — Denial through the media

“That’s artificial intelligence”, “that is not a fire”, “no damage”, “everything under control”, “perhaps caused deliberately” — together with a cut live broadcast and omissions in written reports (see “Claims”).

How the denial connects to the other phases. (1) As evidence of intent: publicly denying the fire while traces were physically removed, and the mayor’s “no damage” statement filmed next to the burned rampart, support the inference that the removal was not accidental — the strongest legal significance of the statements. (2) As “another way” of helping the perpetrators under Art. 333 — theoretically possible, but untested in practice. (3) If concealment was agreed in advance, Art. 35(2) treats it as aiding the fire itself — there is no evidence of that so far.

KZ Art. 336b st. 1Not applicable

(1) Ko druge poziva na otpor ili na neizvršenje sudskih odluka ili na drugi način ometa vođenje sudskog postupka, kazniće se zatvorom do tri godine i novčanom kaznom.

(1) Whoever calls on others to resist or not to comply with court decisions or otherwise obstructs the conduct of court proceedings, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years and a fine.

Penalty: up to 3 years + fine
Applies to: Public denial of the evidence if it continues once court proceedings are under way.
Must be proven: The existence of court proceedings (there are none yet — the case is at the pre-investigation stage) and an act of obstruction. Note: Art. 336a (“unlawful public comment”) has been repealed.
Evidence now: I-01 P-15
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

KZ Art. 333 („na drugi način“) i 35 st. 2Weak

Čl. 333 st. 1: „…tragova ili na drugi način pomaže da ne bude otkriven…“ · Čl. 35 st. 2: Kao pomaganje u izvršenju krivičnog dela smatra se naročito: […] kao i unapred obećano prikrivanje krivičnog dela, učinioca, sredstava kojima je krivično delo izvršeno, tragova krivičnog dela ili predmeta pribavljenih krivičnim delom.

Art. 333(1): “…the traces, or in another way, helps him avoid being discovered…” · Art. 35(2): Aiding in the commission of an offence includes in particular: […] a promise given in advance to conceal the offence, the perpetrator, the means used, the traces of the offence or the proceeds of the offence.

Penalty: As for Art. 333; under Art. 35(2) — as for the offence itself (Art. 278)
Applies to: (a) Public denial as “another way” of helping the perpetrators — theoretically possible if coordinated with the removal of traces, but no case law was found. (b) If concealment was agreed in advance, it amounts to aiding the fire itself.
Must be proven: Coordination between the denial and the removal of traces; for (b) an agreement before the event — no evidence so far.
Evidence now: I-01 I-02 I-04 P-01
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

KZ Art. 343Weak

(1) Ko iznošenjem ili pronošenjem lažnih vesti ili tvrđenja izazove paniku, ili teže narušavanje javnog reda ili mira ili osujeti ili značajnije omete sprovođenje odluka i mera državnih organa ili organizacija koje vrše javna ovlašćenja, kazniće se zatvorom od tri meseca do tri godine i novčanom kaznom. (2) Ako je delo iz stava 1. ovog člana učinjeno putem sredstava javnog informisanja ili sličnih sredstava ili na javnom skupu, učinilac će se kazniti zatvorom od šest meseci do pet godina.

(1) Whoever, by making or spreading false news or claims, causes panic, a serious disturbance of public order or peace, or frustrates or significantly hinders the implementation of decisions and measures of state bodies or organisations exercising public authority, shall be punished by imprisonment of three months to three years and a fine. (2) If committed through the media or similar means or at a public gathering, imprisonment of six months to five years.

Penalty: 3 months – 3 years; through the media 6 months – 5 years
Applies to: The “it’s AI / no fire” claim on its own.
Must be proven: An actual consequence: panic, serious disorder or significant hindrance of state measures — none recorded. Applying it to political statements would also be problematic under Art. 10 ECHR.
Evidence now: I-01 I-06
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

KZ Art. 170Weak

(1) Ko uvredi drugog, kazniće se novčanom kaznom od dvadeset do sto dnevnih iznosa ili novčanom kaznom od četrdeset hiljada do dvesta hiljada dinara. (2) Ako je delo iz stava 1. ovog člana učinjeno putem štampe, radija, televizije ili sličnih sredstava ili na javnom skupu, učinilac će se kazniti novčanom kaznom od osamdeset do dvestačetrdeset dnevnih iznosa ili novčanom kaznom od stopedeset hiljada do četristopedeset hiljada dinara. […] (4) Neće se kazniti […] učinilac, ako je izlaganje dato u okviru ozbiljne kritike […] političke delatnosti […], ako se iz načina izražavanja ili iz drugih okolnosti vidi da to nije učinio u nameri omalovažavanja.

(1) Whoever insults another shall be fined twenty to one hundred daily amounts or RSD 40,000 to 200,000. (2) If committed through the press, radio, television or similar means or at a public gathering, a fine of eighty to two hundred and forty daily amounts or RSD 150,000 to 450,000. […] (4) Not punishable […] if said in the context of serious criticism […] political activity […], where the manner of expression or other circumstances show it was not done with intent to disparage.

Penalty: Fine only: on TV RSD 150,000–450,000. Private prosecution within 3 months.
Applies to: “Shut up, you fool” and the like — only if there is a specific, identifiable insulted person (the speaker did not name the caller).
Evidence now: I-01
Source: Criminal Code, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 85/2005 … 35/2019, 94/2024 i 63/2026

Ustav Art. 46 i 51Not applicable

Čl. 46: Jemči se sloboda mišljenja i izražavanja […]. Sloboda izražavanja može se zakonom ograničiti, ako je to neophodno radi zaštite prava i ugleda drugih, čuvanja autoriteta i nepristrasnosti suda i zaštite javnog zdravlja, morala demokratskog društva i nacionalne bezbednosti Republike Srbije. · Čl. 51 st. 1: Svako ima pravo da istinito, potpuno i blagovremeno bude obaveštavan o pitanjima od javnog značaja i sredstva javnog obaveštavanja su dužna da to pravo poštuju.

Art. 46: Freedom of thought and expression is guaranteed […]. Freedom of expression may be restricted by law if necessary to protect the rights and reputation of others, uphold the authority and impartiality of the courts, and protect public health, the morals of a democratic society and the national security of the Republic of Serbia. · Art. 51(1): Everyone has the right to be informed accurately, fully and in a timely manner about matters of public importance, and the media are obliged to respect this right.

Penalty: No sanction
Applies to: “Truthfulness” is not a ground for restricting expression, so a false political claim is not punishable in itself. The duty of accurate information (Art. 51) binds the media and is enforced through the media laws.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 98/2006 i 115/2021

4Phase 4 — Liability of the party as a legal entity

A political party is a legal entity and the law does not exempt it from criminal liability. Local branches are not legal entities — the party as a whole is liable.

ZPS Art. 5 i 17Strong

Čl. 5: Politička stranka stiče status pravnog lica danom upisa u Registar političkih stranaka. · Čl. 17: Organizacione jedinice po teritorijalnom principu nemaju status pravnog lica.

Art. 5: A political party acquires legal-entity status on the day of entry into the Register of Political Parties. · Art. 17: Territorial organisational units do not have legal-entity status.

Penalty: —
Applies to: SNS is a legal entity; its city board is not — the party as a whole is liable.
Source: Law on Political Parties, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 36/2009 i 61/2015 – odluka US

ZOPL Art. 3, 6 i 7Possible

Čl. 3: Republika Srbija […], autonomna pokrajina i jedinica lokalne samouprave, odnosno državni organi i organi autonomne pokrajine i jedinice lokalne samouprave ne mogu odgovarati za krivično delo. · Čl. 6: Pravno lice odgovara za krivično delo koje u okviru svojih poslova, odnosno ovlašćenja učini odgovorno lice u nameri da za pravno lice ostvari korist. Odgovornost pravnog lica […] postoji i ako je zbog nepostojanja nadzora ili kontrole od strane odgovornog lica omogućeno izvršenje krivičnog dela u korist pravnog lica od strane fizičkog lica koje deluje pod nadzorom i kontrolom odgovornog lica. · Čl. 7: […] pravno lice odgovara za krivično delo odgovornog lica i ako je krivični postupak protiv odgovornog lica obustavljen ili je optužba odbijena.

Art. 3: The Republic of Serbia […], autonomous provinces and local self-government units, and their bodies, cannot be liable for a criminal offence. · Art. 6: A legal entity is liable for a criminal offence committed, within the scope of its business or powers, by a responsible person with the intent of obtaining a benefit for the legal entity. It is also liable where a lack of supervision or control by a responsible person enabled a natural person acting under that supervision to commit an offence for the legal entity’s benefit. · Art. 7: […] the legal entity is liable even if proceedings against the responsible person were discontinued or the charge was dismissed.

Penalty: See the table of fines below (Art. 14).
Applies to: The party is not exempt. (a) Concealment to protect its electoral image during the campaign — a “benefit” for the party. (b) The torch march as part of the party’s promotion, with no supervision by responsible persons.
Must be proven: A criminal offence by a responsible person of the party and the intent to benefit the party (or a lack of supervision that enabled an offence for its benefit).
Evidence now: M-01 P-01 I-01 I-02
Source: Law on Liability of Legal Entities for Criminal Offences, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 97/2008

ZOPL Art. 14 i 18Possible

Čl. 14: Novčana kazna ne može biti manja od sto hiljada dinara niti veća od petsto miliona dinara. […] 2) od milion do dva miliona dinara za krivična dela za koja je propisana kazna zatvora do tri godine; 3) od dva miliona do pet miliona dinara za krivična dela za koja je propisana kazna zatvora do pet godina; 4) od pet miliona do deset miliona dinara za krivična dela za koja je propisana kazna zatvora do osam godina […] · Čl. 18: Kazna prestanka pravnog lica može se izreći ako je delatnost pravnog lica u celini ili u znatnoj meri bila u funkciji vršenja krivičnih dela.

Art. 14: A fine may not be less than RSD 100,000 or more than RSD 500 million. […] 2) RSD 1–2 million for offences punishable by up to three years; 3) RSD 2–5 million for offences punishable by up to five years; 4) RSD 5–10 million for offences punishable by up to eight years […] · Art. 18: Dissolution of the legal entity may be imposed if its activity was wholly or largely in the service of committing criminal offences.

Penalty: Art. 278(3): RSD 5–10m · Arts 278(1–2), 333(2), 359: RSD 2–5m · Arts 336(2), 333(1): RSD 1–2m · multiple offences: sum, max RSD 500m · dissolution of the party: not applicable
Applies to: Range of fines for the party, depending on the offence proven.
Source: Law on Liability of Legal Entities for Criminal Offences, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 97/2008

5Media, regulator and civil liability

Routes that do not require criminal proceedings and concern broadcasters and outlets that spread false claims.

ZEM Art. 61, 38 i 39Possible

Čl. 61: Pružalac medijske usluge […] dužan je da: 1) obezbedi slobodno, istinito, objektivno, potpuno i blagovremeno informisanje […] · Čl. 38: Fizička i pravna lica […] imaju pravo da podnose prijave Regulatoru […]. Prijava […] može se podneti najkasnije u roku od 30 dana od dana premijernog ili ponovljenog emitovanja spornog sadržaja. · Čl. 39: […] 1) opomena, 2) upozorenje, 3) privremena zabrana objavljivanja programskog sadržaja […], 4) privremeno oduzimanje dozvole […], 5) trajno oduzimanje dozvole […].

Art. 61: A media service provider […] shall: 1) ensure free, accurate, objective, complete and timely information […] · Art. 38: Natural and legal persons […] may file complaints with the Regulator […] no later than 30 days after the first or repeat broadcast of the disputed content. · Art. 39: […] 1) caution, 2) warning, 3) temporary ban on broadcasting content […], 4) temporary revocation of the licence […], 5) permanent revocation of the licence […].

Penalty: REM measures (caution → licence revocation); misdemeanour (Art. 125): a legal entity is fined RSD 500,000–2,000,000 for breaching the general obligations (Art. 61) or the election-campaign obligations (Art. 62)
Applies to: TV Informer (7 Oct broadcast) and Niš TV. Anyone may file. Deadline: 30 days from broadcast — for 7 Oct, by 6 Nov 2026.
Evidence now: I-01 M-04 I-07
Source: Law on Electronic Media, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 92/2023 i 51/2025

ZJIM Art. 127 st. 2 i 84 st. 2Possible

Čl. 127 st. 2: Za štetu prouzrokovanu objavljivanjem neistinite ili nepotpune informacije koja potiče od organa javne vlasti odgovara Republika Srbija, autonomna pokrajina, odnosno jedinica lokalne samouprave čiji je to organ, bez obzira na krivicu. · Čl. 84 st. 2: Niko ne sme biti označen u medijima kao izvršilac krivičnog dela niti proglašen krivim ili odgovornim za krivično delo pre nego što pravnosnažna sudska odluka bude doneta.

Art. 127(2): For damage caused by publishing untrue or incomplete information originating from a public authority, the Republic of Serbia, the autonomous province or the local self-government unit whose body it is shall be liable, regardless of fault. · Art. 84(2): No one may be named in the media as the perpetrator of a criminal offence or declared guilty or liable before a final court decision.

Penalty: Damages (6-month time limit); the State or the City is liable — regardless of fault
Applies to: Persons and outlets harmed by the claim that they “fabricated” videos — an identified injured party is required. Art. 84 also binds this site: we declare no one guilty before a judgment.
Evidence now: I-01 I-02 I-03
Source: Law on Public Information and Media, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 92/2023 i 51/2025

Ustav Art. 103 i 119Possible

Čl. 119: Predsednik Republike uživa imunitet kao narodni poslanik. O imunitetu predsednika Republike odlučuje Narodna skupština. · Čl. 103: Narodni poslanik ne može biti pozvan na krivičnu ili drugu odgovornost za izraženo mišljenje ili glasanje u vršenju svoje poslaničke funkcije. Narodni poslanik koji se pozvao na imunitet ne može biti pritvoren, niti se protiv njega može voditi krivični ili drugi postupak u kome se može izreći kazna zatvora, bez odobrenja Narodne skupštine. […] Nepozivanje narodnog poslanika na imunitet ne isključuje pravo Narodne skupštine da uspostavi imunitet.

Art. 119: The President of the Republic enjoys immunity as a Member of Parliament. The National Assembly decides on the President’s immunity. · Art. 103: An MP may not be held criminally or otherwise liable for an opinion expressed or a vote cast in the performance of their mandate. An MP who has invoked immunity may not be detained, nor may criminal or other proceedings in which a prison sentence may be imposed be conducted against them, without the approval of the National Assembly. […] An MP’s failure to invoke immunity does not exclude the Assembly’s right to establish immunity.

Penalty: —
Applies to: Functional immunity covers only opinions “in the performance of office” — a pre-election TV interview is disputable. Procedural immunity applies to proceedings that may lead to imprisonment; it does not cover insult (fine only) or civil suits. The mayor, editors and party officials have no immunity.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, „Sl. glasnik RS“, br. 98/2006 i 115/2021

The European Court of Human Rights also protects contested political speech: in Salov v. Ukraine (2005) it held that Article 10 does not prohibit disseminating information even if its truth is strongly suspected, and in Lepojić v. Serbia (2007) it found a violation over a conviction for criticising a mayor during a campaign. For the statements themselves, regulatory and civil routes are therefore more realistic than criminal ones.

For citizens and lawyers

What can be done — and by when

Procedure	Who may file	Deadline	Basis
Criminal complaint to the Niš Basic Public Prosecutor (add: Art. 278(2), 336, 333, 359; party liability)	Anyone	Until the limitation period	CPC Arts 280–281
Complaint to the media regulator REM against broadcasters (TV Informer, Niš TV)	Anyone	30 days from broadcast — for 7 Oct: 6 Nov 2026	Law on Electronic Media Arts 38, 61, 62
Request to the editor-in-chief to publish a reply	The person the information concerns	30 days (daily programme) / 60 days (periodic) — for 7 Oct: 6 Nov 2026 / 6 Dec 2026	Public Information Law Arts 94, 97
Lawsuit for publication of a correction	The person whose right was violated	90 days — 5 Jan 2027	Public Information Law Art. 101
Damages claim (for information from a public authority, the Republic or the City is liable regardless of fault)	The injured person	6 months — 7 Apr 2027	Public Information Law Arts 127(2), 129
Freedom-of-information request (firefighters’ log, “Mediana” work order, police log of guarding the scene)	Anyone	Now	Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance
Request to REM for recordings of TV Informer (7 Oct) and Niš TV (5 Oct)	Anyone / prosecutor	As soon as possible	Law on Electronic Media

Questions the prosecutor should examine

Who ordered the “Mediana” utility to work at the Fortress on the morning of 6 October, and when; is there a work order.
Whether and how police guarded the scene overnight, as the duty prosecutor ordered (P-04).
Communications between city and party officials on 5 and 6 October.
The fire and rescue unit’s log: time of call, arrival and extinguishing.
Who procured and distributed the flares and pyrotechnics; who approved the fireworks.
Whether the rally was registered as a public assembly and who was responsible for stewarding.
The Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments’ finding on damage.

How this site presents allegations

Constitution (Art. 34(3)): “Everyone shall be presumed innocent of a criminal offence until proven guilty by a final court decision.” Law on Public Information (Art. 84(2)): “No one may be named in the media as the perpetrator of a criminal offence […] before a final court decision.”

So we state facts (who said what, what the videos show, what outlets published) directly, and legal qualifications as grounds for the prosecutor to examine. We name no individual as a perpetrator.