Overview
- Organized crime prosecutors filed an indictment against Culture Minister Nikola Selaković and three officials, alleging abuse of office and forgery tied to removing the Belgrade complex’s protected status.
- The case centers on plans to redevelop the former General Staff buildings under a 99-year lease with Affinity Global Development to build a hotel, apartments, offices and shops.
- The court must rule on whether to approve the indictment, a step that could take months under Serbian procedure.
- Selaković, a close ally of President Aleksandar Vučić, has denied wrongdoing as the government continues to promote the redevelopment.
- Lawmakers passed a special law to expedite the project despite protests by preservationists and experts, and reporting notes no accusations against Jared Kushner or Affinity in this case.