SERBIAN MEDIA: ALLEGEDLY, POWERFUL SUPPORT FOR VASSILEV MAY COME FROM PRESIDENT NIKOLIĆ

The banker Tzvetan Vassilev has been released on bail condition and required to daily report in person to the police, although the usual practice in Serbia, regarding individuals for which extradition is sought, is to be held in custody while waiting for the decision of the court.

The Supreme Court in Belgrade does not consider Vassilev as a more special case and commented that the decision to release Vassilev on bail conditions with the requirement to report in person and not to change his current address was motivated on the basis of evidence provided and because Vassilev presented convincing explanations, which motivated the judge-investigator’s decision to not hold Vassilev in custody while waiting for the court hearing.

Vassilev signed a declaration he would not leave Belgrade and informed that he would reside at a particular address.

The Supreme Court commented that there was no pressure exercised on Vassilev.

According to the Serbian “Blic” newspaper, which quoted the 18th of September interview with Vassilev for BNT, the banker allegedly enjoys the protection of the two closest to the Serbian President economic advisors – Pavle Basic and Predrag Mikic. It is known that one of the advisors was subject to an investigation which failed to produce sufficient evidence to substantiate the case. Mikic is known for being investigated for exercising pressure on the Director of the Privatization Agency of Serbia. According to the investigation reports, he insisted on an accelerated privatization procedure for a particular state-owned enterprise enabling particular buyers to acquire it.

Media in Serbia are speculating that Vassilev may get powerful support from the President of Serbia.