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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

US gives new donation to Serbian police for witness protection

Belgrade, 2 February 2006

Serbian Minister of Interior Dragan Jocic and US Ambassador to Serbia-Montenegro Michael Polt today signed an agreement on a $75,000 donation from the US government to the Serbian Ministry of Interior (MUP) for the witness protection programme.

Author: FoNet

Jocic told a press conference held after the signing of the agreement that the Law on the witness protection programme in criminal proceedings came into force on January 1, 2006 and that according to that law, protection will be given to the defendant, witnesses associates, ordinary witnesses, victims, legal assessors, judges and members of their families if its assessed that their lives are endangered.

He said that in September 2005 a police unit was set up to protect witnesses in criminal proceedings.. Jocic added that this was carried out with the support of the US whose experience is precious in the implementation of the witness protection programme which is one of the main factors in the fight against organised crime.

Twelve members of this Unit were trained last year in the US, and the US government donated $50,000 for the purchase of equipment needed by MUP.

Jocic stressed that an agreement on a new US donation was signed today, with which the Serbian police will receive another $50,000 for the equipment and $25,000 for the implementation of the programme.

This donation will significantly contribute to the implementation of the programme and that is one more step in achieving the Serbian government's priority, and that is the rule of law, Jocic said.

Polt congratulated the Serbian government on the adoption of the new law and added that it was his personal pleasure to cooperate on it with representatives of the Ministry of Justice.

According to Polt, a strong rule of law is the basis of every democratic country and a lack of a just and righteous system of governing jeopardises all social values.

Michael Polt and Dragan Jocic

Author: FoNet

Polt stressed that the witness protection programme is the key element when fighting organised crime as well as transnational crime.

He also said that Serbia will have to keep improving its legal framework to secure fair treatment and safety for all victims and witnesses, which is "an indispensable step" towards Serbia's full EU integration.

Polt added that the US will help Serbia in fighting corruption and crime, concluding war crimes proceedings and establishing a legal system that is efficient, reliable and free of political influence.

The US donation to Serbia will be realised through the programme of the standing legal advisor at the US Department of Justice and the US Marshals Service.