Serbia denies military security agency interference in political affairs
The Ministry of Defence of Serbia strongly condemns and rejects the slanderous and malicious falsehoods made by former non-commissioned officer Novica Antić during his appearance on N1 television, in which he made allegations concerning the work of members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces.
"We remind the public that, by a final ruling of the Higher Military Disciplinary Court in 2020, Novica Antić was stripped of his non-commissioned officer rank and dismissed from the Serbian Armed Forces for violating military discipline. Legal proceedings are also under way against him before the Higher Court in Novi Sad over the alleged embezzlement of more than 70 million dinars from the Military Trade Union.
The Military Security Agency does not operate a bot centre. It has never applied special procedures or measures, nor has it monitored or wiretapped students, journalists or political activists, or interfered in political processes and developments in the Republic of Serbia, as the former non-commissioned officer claims.
Through his statements, Antić is misleading the public by making entirely false and arbitrary assessments, without providing any evidence, regarding the work and conduct of members of the Military Security Agency. His appearance on N1 represents an attempt to undermine the reputation not only of the Military Security Agency, but also of the entire Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces. It also insults the dignity of people who perform key duties within the defence system and safeguard the security of the country and all its citizens.
In recent years, the Ministry of Defence and the Military Security Agency have made considerable efforts not only to recruit but also to retain IT professionals. Agency personnel working in the IT sector have been selected with particular care and according to specific criteria. In addition to outstanding academic achievements, they possess strong moral and patriotic qualities. It is therefore unacceptable for anyone to attempt to diminish their knowledge and expertise through sweeping and unprofessional statements.
We emphasise that members of the Military Security Agency carry out their duties professionally and responsibly, in full compliance with the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, the Law on the Serbian Armed Forces, the Law on the Military Security and Military Intelligence Agencies, and other relevant legal and regulatory acts.
It is entirely clear that former non-commissioned officer Antić is making sweeping and untruthful allegations, motivated by personal animosity towards the defence system and certain members of the Military Security Agency. At the same time, his statements represent a shameless attempt to put pressure on the judicial authorities of the Republic of Serbia and to position himself politically ahead of the forthcoming allocation of political posts.
We strongly condemn yet another attempt by former non-commissioned officer Antić to create public unrest and anxiety among members of the defence system through the dissemination of lies and disinformation about the functioning of the security forces, in pursuit of personal publicity and political gain.
We hereby appeal to all stakeholders and individuals, particularly the media, to refrain from publishing unverified and false information that could damage the reputation of the Ministry of Defence, the Serbian Armed Forces and their personnel, and negatively affect the security of the Republic of Serbia and all its citizens," said in the statement.
Photo Ministry of Defence of Serbia
