Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said on Tuesday that authorities have evidence indicating that two men arrested in the central town of Kraljevo were planning an attack on him and his family.
Speaking to reporters after opening an exhibition of items listed in Serbia’s National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Vučić said he had seen parts of the case file but did not disclose the identities of the suspects.
“I do not know exactly who these individuals are, but I know where they are from and their age,” Vučić said. “From what I have seen in the material, there is recorded evidence of what they were planning.”
He said the evidence included discussions about harming his child, adding that the material had been documented.
Serbian authorities said earlier that two suspects had been detained on suspicion of planning to assassinate the president and members of his family. A court has ordered them held in custody pending further investigation.
Vučić said around 70 people had publicly called for the suspects’ release, adding that their actions were based on “lies they had read somewhere.” He did not elaborate.
The president also said that threats against public officials have become more frequent, particularly on social media. “Many people become heroes online, where everything seems permitted,” he said, adding that he does not believe his family is an exception.
At the start of his address, Vučić said Serbia’s economic development plan was nearly complete and highlighted what he described as significant economic achievements, including an increase in average wages.
He also announced a two-day visit to Kazakhstan, after which final preparations would follow for development strategies dubbed “Serbia 2030” and “Serbia 2035.”