Opposition party activist assaulted ahead of voting

Zajecar A group of unknown youths last night assaulted and battered Dragomir Ninic, an activist of the opposition Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS). The incident happened at around 02:00 CET on Thursday in Zajecar, eastern Serbia, where early local elections are scheduled to take place this coming Sunday. Opposition party activist assaulted ahead of voting DSS Executive Board member Dejan Culic said, quoting a statement made by the victim, that the attackers wore t-shirts with the number "2" printed on them. The Serb Progressive Party (SNS) is listed on the ballot papers at number 2. Ninic also said that his assailants spoke with "a strange accent." The DSS strongly condemned the incident and appealed on the authorities to find and punish the perpetrators. B92 has unofficially learned that Ninic suffered head injuries and a broken nose. He is receiving medical treatment at the neurology ward of the local hospital. The SNS also reacted with a statement today to deny the media reports that it was the ruling party's activists who attacked and injured Ninic. The Progressives said they condemned any type of violence, and urged the citizens "to behave in a dignified and civilized manner," calling at the same time on the authorities to investigate the case and bring the perpetrators to justice. The police in Zajecar confirmed in their statement that the incident took place, and added that "according to initial information and observations of the police patrol, Ninic was under the influence of alcohol." Residents of Zajecar will on Sunday choose 50 councilors in the local assembly. The tense local ballot comes amid a long-standing dispute between Mayor Bosko Nicic, a member of the United Regions of Serbia (URS), and Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) official and show business manager Sasa Mirkovic. Mirkovic also serves as assistant to Minister of Transport Milutin Mrkonjic. The tensions almost spiraled out of control three days ago, when the police had to intervene to prevent a fight. Dragomir Ninic (B92) B92

Opposition party activist assaulted ahead of voting

DSS Executive Board member Dejan Čulić said, quoting a statement made by the victim, that the attackers wore t-shirts with the number "2" printed on them. The Serb Progressive Party (SNS) is listed on the ballot papers at number 2.

Ninić also said that his assailants spoke with "a strange accent."

The DSS strongly condemned the incident and appealed on the authorities to find and punish the perpetrators.

B92 has unofficially learned that Ninić suffered head injuries and a broken nose. He is receiving medical treatment at the neurology ward of the local hospital.

The SNS also reacted with a statement today to deny the media reports that it was the ruling party's activists who attacked and injured Ninić. The Progressives said they condemned any type of violence, and urged the citizens "to behave in a dignified and civilized manner," calling at the same time on the authorities to investigate the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The police in Zaječar confirmed in their statement that the incident took place, and added that "according to initial information and observations of the police patrol, Ninić was under the influence of alcohol."

Residents of Zaječar will on Sunday choose 50 councilors in the local assembly. The tense local ballot comes amid a long-standing dispute between Mayor Boško Ničić, a member of the United Regions of Serbia (URS), and Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) official and show business manager Saša Mirković.

Mirković also serves as assistant to Minister of Transport Milutin Mrkonjić.

The tensions almost spiraled out of control three days ago, when the police had to intervene to prevent a fight.