Serbian police crack down on USAID-funded organisations

Prosecutor Cites Trump and Musk

Today, raids were launched against organisations that have received USAID funding, following orders from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. According to the prosecutor, the aim is to investigate how civil society organisations have used American taxpayers’ money. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has stated that the investigation was initiated based on statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, DOGE leader Elon Musk, and FBI Director Kash Patel regarding USAID funding.

"It is remarkable that the Public Prosecutor’s Office is citing statements from American politicians and businessmen as justification for launching an investigation, despite no formal request from the U.S. USAID has supported Serbia’s municipalities, strengthened the economy, and contributed to judicial reforms for nearly 25 years—now, its funding is being used as a pretext to attack civil society," says Ivana Randjelovic, Director Europe Department at Civil Rights Defenders.

USAID has even funded the development of the national parliament’s website, but information about this support was removed from the website on 7 February. Despite USAID’s long-standing contributions, none of its projects have previously been subject to investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Coordination with Pro-Government Media

President Aleksandar Vučić has significant control over the media landscape, and Serbia ranks poorly on Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index (98/180), facing serious issues with corruption and propaganda. According to local organisations, media outlets published reports about the raids before they even took place.

"We are deeply concerned that the media knew about the planned police raids before they were carried out. This suggests deliberate coordination between authorities and the media to stage a public smear campaign. Using the justice system as a tool to silence critical voices and manipulate public opinion is a clear sign that Serbia is heading in a dangerous direction," says Ivana Randjelovic, Director Europe Department at Civil Rights Defenders.

A Government Under Pressure

Serbia is currently experiencing the largest protests in the country’s history. The government is under immense pressure and has responded with threats, smear campaigns, and violent, orchestrated counter-demonstrations.

"At a time when citizens are demanding greater transparency and accountability from those in power, the state is trying to deflect attention from its own responsibilities by targeting civil society organisations—organisations whose work, funding, and outcomes have been fully transparent," says Ivana Randjelovic, Director Europe Department at Civil Rights Defenders.

For Interviews

If you would like to interview Ivana Randjelovic about the situation in Serbia and the recent crackdowns on civil society, please contact:

press@crd.org 

+46 (0)76 576 27 62

Website: www.crd.org