The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights reminds the authorities that there is an obligation of state organs to carry out urgent and efficient investigations into all cases of persons accused of felonies committed under suspicious circumstances. In accordance with international standards and national regulations, investigators have the obligation to conduct an urgent and efficient investigation irrespective whether the accused are private persons or officials.The conduct of an impartial investigation is in the interest of the police: this is the best way to resolve legal doubts relating to their work; further-more, they will gain the assistance of the public for their proclaimed combat against organized crime.
The Belgrade Centre points out to the obligations of the police to bring all imprisoned persons, as soon as possible before an investigating judge, who is under new legislation the only authority to decide on custody. Not only the legality of the deprivation of liberty can thus be better controlled, but also the use of the powers of the police, which the-latter have frequently tended to exceed.
