Croatia has reacted after the arrests in Serbia of several people suspected of preparing riots during the parliamentary elections, while recommending its citizens to delay trips that are not necessary towards this country because of the political and security situation.
Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has declared it has not received official announcements from Serbian authorities on the arrests. According to her, the recent charges against Croatia are part of a series of groundless claims related to domestic political developments in Serbia.
The arrests were carried out in Novi Sad, Vrnjacka Bajnja and Belgrade. According to Serbian media reports, suspects are accused of preparing violent riots during early parliamentary elections, scheduled for 25 October.
Serbian media have claimed that two of those arrested have Croatian passports. So far, however, no independent evidence has been made public that would confirm claims of their involvement in the plans due to violence.
The Croatian Ministry has stressed that neither its embassy in Belgrade has received official reports of the case, voicing concern over repeated accusations against Zagreb, writes Ix.hr.
Meanwhile, Croatian authorities have called on citizens to show increased care if they travel towards Serbia and, when possible, delay travel that is not necessary.
The recommendation does not constitute a ban on travel, but reflects concerns about potential political and security tensions during the election period.
The arrests have added to tensions between the two countries, which have long exchanged accusations of political interference. Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq has repeatedly claimed that Croatia tries to influence Serbia’s domestic developments, while Croatian officials have dismissed those charges.
The situation takes place on the eve of parliamentary elections, in a tense political climate, where Vuciqi’s power is facing opposition from the student movement and other opposition forces. /Telegraphy/