Residents of the Vranes area near Bijelo Polje have announced plans for a protest and the blockade of the main road at Slijepač Most tomorrow. Their primary demand is the resignation of police officials, as Alija Balijagic, the suspect in a double homicide, has not yet been apprehended.
Vesko Gogic, president of the local community of Tomasevo, stated that someone must be held accountable for the situation. He explained that the community will block the road at noon and demand the resignation of top police officials, according to reports from ATV.
The village of Sokolac, where the double homicide took place, falls under the jurisdiction of the Tomasevo local community.
Slobodan Lekovic, president of the Pavino Polje local community, expressed the growing concerns of residents, especially given the high number of elderly individuals living alone in the area.
“We are all waiting for news that the fugitive has been captured. People are living in fear, particularly the elderly. It’s a situation we have never experienced before—doors that were once left unlocked during the day are now being locked,” Lekovic said.
An Interpol warrant was previously issued for Balijagic, and the police have urged citizens to come forward with any information about his whereabouts, emphasizing that tips can also be provided anonymously.
Alija Balijagic, 65, is suspected of committing a double murder on October 25 in the village of Sokolac, a remote hamlet within the Bijelo Polje municipality. According to police, Balijagic allegedly shot his 60-year-old brother and 69-year-old sister in their home using a hunting rifle.
Residents have voiced frustration with the lack of progress in apprehending the suspect, with many criticizing local authorities for failing to ensure safety in the area. Fear has gripped the community, particularly as many households are occupied solely by elderly residents who feel particularly vulnerable.
The announced protest reflects a broader sentiment that the authorities need to take greater responsibility and act decisively to restore safety and trust. The demand for resignations signals the community’s deep dissatisfaction with the current handling of the case.
As the search for Balijagic continues, the situation underscores the urgent need for effective measures to ensure public safety and address the growing concerns of the affected communities.
