Doubts Dog Serbia’s ‘Tougher Punishment’ Response to Violent Crime

Two days later, a 21-year-old man went on a shooting spree in the Belgrade suburb of Mladenovac, killing eight and wounding 13.

Thousands of Serbs have since taken to the streets to protest what they say is a culture of violence in Serbian society fed by irresponsible politicians and tabloid media.

The response of authorities has been true to form: a number of people have been arrested for social media posts that appear to advocate violence, more police have been promised to protect schools, and schools have been instructed to compile lists of children who behave in an "anti-social" manner, though the interior ministry later apologised for this measure.

It's the kind of reflex that has characterised the government's response to security and law-and-order issues before, from sexual abuse to violence on the soccer stands. Experts question the motivation and the impact.

"I'd say that the main goal of these proposals is to satisfy the agitated emotions and anger of the public over everything that has happened," said Aleksandar Baucal, professor of psychology at the University of Belgrade. Vucic's ruling Progressive Party is trying to "create the impression that they'll find quick solutions."

Instead, authorities should be crafting a far more sophisticated response that addresses the underlying causes, he said. "Out of respect for them [the victims], we need to deal more seriously with the problems and adopt a package of measures that will really contribute to reducing or solving them."

Governments want to be seen 'taking action'

Protesters in front of Serbian government on a rally against violence in Belgrade, May 8 2023. Photo: BIRN

Under Vucic, who has been in power since 2012, Serbia...

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