A Belgrade court has rejected the prosecution’s request for the pre-trial detention of Srđan Ilić, web designer for the Joint History Project (JHP) and activist with the “Beograd ostaje” civic network. According to his defense attorney, Rastko Naumov, the judge refused the detention request and instead imposed a measure barring Ilić from leaving his apartment, along with a strict ban on using telephone and internet communications. Naumov noted that this measure will remain in effect as long as necessary, for a maximum period of two months.

Ilić was arrested on October 21 following a police raid on his apartment, during which his electronic devices were seized. Prior to any official statement from authorities, pro-government tabloids launched unsubstantiated claims alleging that he had organized and trained groups to provoke violence at the upcoming October 25 parliamentary elections—allegations strongly refuted by “Beograd ostaje.”

The arrest triggered immediate international concern, prompting the JHP Board to call on Serbian authorities to uphold the presumption of innocence and urging EU and OSCE/ODIHR election monitors to closely observe the proceedings.

While we are relieved that Srđan is not behind bars, this near-total communications blackout severely isolates him, cutting him off from his daily work, his friends, and the public during a critical moment right before election day.

We thank everyone who raised their voice in solidarity.