Smederevo Mayor Arrested as Illegal Landfill Probe Escalates

Smederevo Mayor Arrested as Illegal Landfill Probe Escalates
A criminal investigation into an alleged illegal landfill in Smederevo moved into a new phase after Mayor Jasmina Vojinović and two city officials were arrested on the order of the city’s Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The case centers on Jelen Do, where authorities reportedly found a large landfill lacking the necessary documentation, permits and accompanying decisions during an inspection carried out in early November after a citizen complaint.

The arrests followed growing local concern. Residents of Radinac, near the site of the newly established landfill, organized a petition and submitted it to the city administration, seeking clarification on whether Jelen Do was the city’s new landfill and whether it had the required permits.

Vojinović was detained alongside Miroslav Ilić, director of the municipal public utility company “Zelenilo i groblja,” and Ivana Mitrović Stamenković, the city administration chief. One report identified the official as Ivana Stamenković. All three were ordered held for up to 48 hours before questioning by prosecutors.

Prosecutors suspect the officials failed to take environmental-protection measures. According to reports citing the investigation, waste was allegedly deposited at the unauthorized site from late September onward, potentially endangering the health of Smederevo residents.

The proceedings are also politically sensitive. Vojinović, a member of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, has led Smederevo since 2024. Earlier, local opposition activists demanded her resignation, arguing that the SNS had “no legitimacy” after an electoral defeat; she rejected the demand.

After the 48-hour detention period, prosecutors are expected to decide on further action, including whether to seek custody. The allegations remain subject to the investigation and judicial proceedings.