SLAPP BACK FUND #11: SUPPORT FOR BRAJAN BRKOVIĆ

02 Feb SLAPP BACK FUND #11: SUPPORT FOR BRAJAN BRKOVIĆ

ANOTHER SLAPP CASE AIMED AT SILENCING ACTIVISM

Novi Sad-based activist Brajan Brković is yet another individual who, over the past year, has been exposed to various forms of political and legal harassment and persecution. In the latest of a long series of proceedings initiated against him, he was fined 120,000 dinars for alleged disturbance of public order and peace during a protest held on April 28, 2025. At that protest, Brković was filming police actions and verbally responding to the conduct of the Deputy Chief of the Novi Sad Police Department.

The protest took place in front of the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education at the University of Novi Sad, where the police carried out a brutal intervention, the first since the beginning of months-long student blockades. Several students, professors, and citizens were injured as riot police attempted to forcibly remove them from the entrance to the faculty building.

This case is not an isolated incident. Over the past four years, more than 20 misdemeanor and criminal proceedings have been initiated against Brajan Brković, almost exclusively in connection with his participation in protests and public actions, from opposing the harmful General Urban Plan of Novi Sad, defending the Šodroš forest, and protesting against Rio Tinto, to student and civic gatherings following the tragedy at the Railway Station. Prior to his involvement in activism, Brković had never been subject to misdemeanor or criminal prosecution.

Brajan’s repeated detention and arrest almost every time he appears at a public gathering clearly demonstrate an intent to use continuous legal pressure, frequent detentions, and financial penalties to overwhelm activists with court proceedings, financially exhaust them, and discourage them – temporarily or permanently – from further engagement.

This objective must not be allowed to succeed. That is why, through the SLAPP BACK Fund, we are launching a solidarity campaign for Brajan and collecting funds to cover the imposed fine, while also sending a clear message that we do not accept pressure, intimidation, or the abuse of the legal system.

The fundraising deadline is February 10. Donations can be made to one of the designated accounts, with the mandatory reference “For Brajan.”

In Serbian Dinars:
Acc No: 170-0030039599021-59
Association KROKODIL, Karađorđeva 43, Beograd

In EUR:
IBAN: RS35170003003959900122
SWIFT: BACXRSBG

In US$:
IBAN: RS35170003003959900995
SWIFT: BACXRSBG

PayPal:
office@krokodil.rs

Thank you for believing that no one should be left alone in the face of injustice.