Two arrested on suspicion of attacking statistical office chief

BELGRADE - Two people have been arrested on suspicion of physically attacking the head of the national statistical office, Miladin Kovacevic, outside the building of the national electoral commission in downtown Belgrade on Monday evening.

The two men - identified as D M, aged 20, from Jagodina, and I K, aged 19, from Belgrade - are suspected of the criminal offence of violent conduct at a sports event or a public gathering, the Ministry of Interior said on Tuesday.

D M is suspected of preventing the commission's members from leaving the area outside the building and of pushing Kovacevic.

I K is suspected of pelting several solid objects at the building, attempting to remove a protective barrier, hurling insults at police officers and pushing one of them.

The two suspects have been placed in 48-hour detention, after which they will appear before prosecutors.

Also, a 34-year-old man will face misdemeanour charges for insults, acts of violence, threats or fighting under the Law on Public Peace and Order.

The incidents took place during a protest organised by the opposition Serbia Against Violence coalition over alleged electoral rigging.