CRIMINAL LAW PROTECTION OF STATE SYMBOLS IN SERBIA

Abstract

After the canopy collapse in Novi Sad, Serbia experienced significant social disruptions, which, combined with geopolitical developments, made the situation even more complex. Public gatherings of citizens have become an everyday occurrence, where state symbols play a significant role in expressing their views, as citizens carry flags, coats of arms, and sing anthems, all in the name of showing patriotism and respect for the victims. However, in addition to this, various unauthorized and even destructive actions against state symbols of both Serbia and other countries occur. The paper explores the criminal protection of state symbols, with special attention paid to de lege lata solutions as well as the historical process of the emergence of the protection of state symbols. Statistical methods were used to explore the state and trends of this form of crime in the period from 2016 to 2023 on the territory of the Republic of Serbia. It has been noted that this form of crime is at a very low level compared to other forms of crime (property crime, economic crime, etc.). Nevertheless, it is still particularly dangerous as a form of occurrence. However, this form of crime significantly affects the authority of the state and its bodies among citizens and even beyond the borders of the state. The current complex socio-political situation indicates that attention must be paid to the authority of the state and its bodies in preserving security, public order and constitutional order, and human and minority freedoms and civil rights.