Like in most other Central European countries, the practice of the Serbian judicial authorities is characterised by excessive resort to pre-trial detention (PTD). The situation in Serbia shows that the PTD measure is misunderstood, as ultima ratio.This claim is corroborated by a number of indicators, including media reports, the majority public opinion, statements by leading political figures, as well as judicial practices and the way remanded prisoners are treated. Although the legislative framework provides for a series of measures alternative to PTD, the data at BCHR’s disposal show that they are ordered extremely rarely.
Furthermore, the current practice is in contravention of the standards of the European Court of Human Rights and other international standards on the exercise and protection of rights of persons deprived of liberty. Pre-trial detention is perceived in Serbia as punishment, not as a means to ensure the defendants’ presence at the trials and unhindered conduct of criminal proceedings.
This expert debate is an opportunity to publicly discuss the current PTD practice, the financial ramifications of PTD and its social and economic effects on the detainees, their families and society in general. The BCHR will present the results of its research and a short informative and educational video spot at the expert debate. The photograph and text were originally published on the website of the Medija centra
