Police denies officers prevented opposition councilors from entering Novi Sad City Assembly

Illustration; Photo: Tanjug/Jaroslav Pap

The police in Novi Sad announced today that the allegations that officers from its ranks prevented the councilors from opposition parties from entering the City Assembly and attending a session held today are not true.

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What really happened is that the councilors refused to participate in the work of the assembly, and then tried to forcefully enter the building, said the Novi Sad police.

A statement specified that the secretary of the assembly invited the opposition councilors to participate in today's session, but they refused and tried to forcibly enter the building together with the protesters gathered in front.

The police in Novi Sad pointed out to the fact that, during those attempts by a part of the gathered citizens to break through a police cordon, five officers were injured and are receiving medical treatment.

"Without any reason, a number of people who gathered threw pyrotechnics, rocks, eggs, yogurt packages, paint and other objects at the police officers, even though the actions they were taking had the exclusive aim of ensuring the work of the city assembly and preserving public order and peace, which is their professional task and legal obligation," the statement said.

It also explained that in order to repel the attack, in accordance with Article 111, paragraph 1 of the Law on Police, a police officer used "spray containing an irritant."

"All actors of these attacks against on-duty police officers performing their work required by law, will be prosecuted and, in consultation with the competent public prosecutor's office, appropriate criminal or misdemeanor charges will be filed against them," the statement concluded.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)