Selakovic: Police reform - imperative for any future gov't

KOPAONIK - Serbia's Outgoing Minister of Justice and Public Administration Nikola Selakovic has said that new authorities will adopt an action plan and measures for strengthening the criminal justice system by autumn.

Opening a conference titled "Criminal Law Reform", Selakovic said at Mt. Kopaonik on Thursday evening that the system comprises prosecutors, judges and police.

He said that he is not satisfied with the way in which the system is being run in terms of the mode of operations or efficiency of criminal justice bodies.

Selakovic mentioned outdated work methods at the police, prosecution, shortcomings in the legislation and lack of room for conducting criminal proceedings as some of the problems.

The main solutions were presented in the two national strategies that are being implemented- the strategy for the justice system reform and the strategy for the fight against corruption.

The justice system reform needs to be completed, he underlined, noting that it cannot be effective without a fundamental police reform and underscored that the task will have to be an imperative for the next government.

The relation between prosecutors and police is important for the consistent implementation of the law on criminal proceedings, Selakovic said, adding that Serbia must respect the principle that a public prosecutor should manage and govern pre-trial proceedings.

Absolute specialization of prosecutors is needed, he said, referring primary to the strengthening of anti-corruption departments, but also noted that some new ones should be established.

"In 21st century, a prosecutor cannot work alone. Crime created global networks, and criminals consult economists, entire teams stand...