Aleksandar Vučić directly threatens the safety of Balša Božović
The Regional Academy for Democratic Development (ADD) strongly condemns the statement by the former President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, in which he directly endangered the safety of ADD’s Executive Director, Balša Božović. Vučić referred to him as a “servant of Montenegrin intelligence services” and a “servant of Milo Đukanović and Zvicer” who is “destroying the state of Serbia.” Namely, the daily newspaper Večernje novosti published an article titled “Vučić: The mafia is in fear, there is special nervousness among Montenegrin intelligence officers,” relaying Aleksandar Vučić’s live address on his TikTok and Facebook accounts. In the broadcast, he clearly labeled Balša Božović as a servant of Radivoje Zvicer’s criminal clan and a Montenegrin spy in Serbia. These statements are also available on Aleksandar Vučić’s official accounts on those networks.
This is not the first time Aleksandar Vučić’s regime has targeted Balša Božović and his family over their political views and national affiliation. In June of this year, Ana Brnabić and Ivica Dačić did the same on national television, emphasizing the Božović family’s alleged connection with the Kavač clan and even questioning their right to live in this country. Now, Aleksandar Vučić personally has taken the persecution a step further. Whatever his motives may be—whether to physically endanger Božović’s safety by branding him a member of a criminal clan, or to call for his arrest by designating him a foreign spy—it is clear that Aleksandar Vučić has never abandoned his pattern of persecution, hatred, and aggression. The very fact that in 2026, a man in a position of power, driven by paranoia and a constant need to manufacture enemies, politically and nationally persecutes citizens of the country he presided over until two days ago, clearly demonstrates that a dangerous lynch-mob atmosphere is being consciously fostered in Serbia. It also shows there is no line the regime is unwilling to cross to settle scores with political dissidents.
ADD will urgently appeal to all of its European partners, international institutions, and human rights organizations to request international protection from this open persecution and hate speech, and to demand accountability for those who threaten the safety of Serbia’s citizens.
Remaining silent in the face of such a direct threat to safety is tantamount to accepting persecution, and solidarity is our most vital weapon today in defending the fundamental right to free speech and a life without fear. No amount of pressure or threats will intimidate us; they will only further motivate us to continue our fight for a civic, democratic, and European society.
