Vučić's regime sends young Serbs calls for war deployment

Panic and concern among employees in some state institutions and companies have been caused by correspondence from former military departments informing them about the conditions in case of war, Serbian media report, as carried by Patria.

- I was shocked when the head of the department called me and had me sign a decision stating what I am obliged to do if war breaks out – said M. S., an employee at one of Belgrade's health centers, adding:

– I did not serve in the military nor have I ever had anything to do with the army. I was told that I had to take the paper because the law prescribes it.

The Serbian Ministry of Defense claims that the distribution of decisions outlining citizens' obligations is not related to the political situation, nor is it a prelude to a state of emergency or preparation for mobilization, but rather routine work of the bodies responsible for defense obligations.

- A portion of Serbian citizens are subject to labor obligations, which means that during a state of emergency or war, they are obliged to perform certain tasks at their workplaces – the Ministry of Defense stated.

- A Defense Plan has been in effect in Serbia for two years, which precisely stipulates what each person should do. The bodies of the Ministry of Defense are obliged to update the lists of companies and employees who are obliged to respond to the state's call.

Incidentally, about 1,200 companies in Serbia have the task of producing goods or providing services in the event of war or a state of emergency, and in the event that weapons “speak,” their task will be to supply a specific military unit, police, or other defense entity. According to this document, each company must have its own plan for supplying or providing assistance to a specific defense entity in case of war.

- There is no reason for fear for men over 30 either, who are receiving decisions to be transferred to the reserve force. Calls for reserve service should not frighten anyone, as it is a legal obligation that is regularly implemented. Although military service has been suspended, every citizen has two tasks related to the country's defense: to register for military records (at 18 years of age) and to serve in the reserve force (starting from the age of 30) – the Ministry of Defense said.

They remind that the law also provides for sanctions for individuals who do not respond to registration or refuse to serve in the reserve force.

A similar situation occurred in Croatia last month.