Krapović responds to information leak allegations by targeting MP; Zirojević: He will explain everything in court

The issue of alleged leaks of confidential information from sessions of the Parliamentary Committee on Security and Defence to members of the so-called Škaljari criminal clan visibly unsettled Defence Minister Dragan Krapović, whose reaction was, to say the least, inappropriate for the office he holds. Particularly concerning is the fact that the minister, from a position of political and institutional authority, made serious accusations against an opposition Member of Parliament without presenting any evidence to support his claims.

Instead of answering questions concerning allegations of possible disclosure of confidential information, Krapović used the parliamentary podium and debate to engage in personal attacks and target political opponents – in this case, Nikola Zirojević, an MP from the European Alliance (ES) – as well as once again targeting media outlets (ETV and M Portal), thereby abusing the authority of his office.

The controversy began after Zirojević asked the minister to respond to allegations regarding purported ties to organized criminal groups and accusations that he had disclosed classified information to individuals connected to criminal structures, as reported by M Portal the previous day.

- Why have you not commented on these allegations, and do you believe it is appropriate for a person suspected, and allegedly supported by evidence, of disclosing classified information to organized criminal groups to hold the position of Minister of Defence - Zirojević asked.

He emphasized that, regardless of whom the information was allegedly passed to, the mere possibility of leaking classified information would constitute a serious violation of the law and require accountability.

However, instead of providing a direct response to the allegations, the Defence Minister launched a fierce attack on Zirojević, accusing him of connections to organized crime without presenting any evidence to substantiate such claims.

At the very beginning of his response, Krapović addressed Zirojević as „MP Medenica“, drawing a parallel between him and fugitive Miloš Medenica. He then claimed that Zirojević was acting on behalf of organized criminal groups, describing the allegations against himself as „filth“, „falsehoods“, „lies“ and „rubbish“, allegedly created „from Spuž prison, by the Kavač clan and drug cartels“, and introduced into the public sphere by „an avatar of organized criminal groups and media outlets under their control and coordination“.

- However, it is not only them and the media. Unfortunately, certain MPs are doing the same, specifically Mr. Zirojević - the minister said.

Krapović went even further, claiming that the opposition MP was „intelligence and security compromised“.

- As a member of the Security Committee and the National Security Council, you are intelligence and security compromised. You are a danger within these bodies - the minister stated.

Particularly troubling was the fact that the minister used the parliamentary podium to disclose details about the opposition MP’s private property and place of residence. Krapović spoke in detail about the building where Zirojević lives and, in a familiar fashion, provided no evidence while discussing the price at which the property had allegedly been purchased, the garage space, and supposed connections between the investor and companies he referenced during his speech.

The minister also linked Zirojević to threats against the security of Police Directorate Director Lazar Šćepanović, claiming to possess information allegedly monitored by organized criminal groups. Thus, the Minister of Defence, using the power of his office, levelled accusations without providing any evidence, relying solely on the familiar caveat that he „possesses information“.

- Do you know who monitors the condition of the Police Directorate’s official vehicle and uses drones to track its movements? Organized criminal groups that continuously threaten his security - and now MP Zirojević. How did you obtain that information - Krapović asked.

One of the most disturbing moments in Parliament

During the minister’s speech, terms such as „scum“, „avatar of organized criminal groups“, „“army of bots“ and „memers working for €100“ were repeatedly used. He also described Zirojević as „inadequate“ and „easily manipulated“, and, while his microphone was switched off, was heard calling him „an ill-mannered donkey“.

Such conduct provoked strong reactions from opposition MPs. Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) MP Andrija Nikolić requested a formal warning for the minister, while European Alliance MP Boris Mugoša stated that Parliament had „never sunk to a lower level“.

- To point out where a colleague bought an apartment, to associate him with organized crime and the mafia, is unacceptable. This is one of the most disgraceful moments in Parliament - Mugoša said.

Zirojević: I choose to sleep peacefully

Responding to the minister, Zirojević announced that he would publicly release the apartment purchase contract to refute the claims made from the parliamentary podium.

- You misled the public by attempting to imply something that is not true. The garage was properly paid for. Unlike many others, I received nothing for free - not because I could not, but because I did not want to – Zirojević said.

He reacted particularly strongly to accusations that he was acting on behalf of criminal groups.

- If you claim that I am promoting anything on behalf of criminal organizations, you will have the opportunity to say that, as well as everything related to this apartment, in court. There, you will explain who finances me, who gave me favors, and for whom I work. Unlike some members of your party, my construction business is not flourishing - Zirojević said.

He stressed that he had purchased the apartment through a 25-year mortgage and that his monthly installment amounted to half of his parliamentary salary.

- I choose to sleep peacefully and to ensure that people like you cannot accuse me of anything regarding my apartment or anything else. I calmly await whatever the future brings and feel very comfortable as a member of the opposition. I am not sure you will feel the same way, because the legal system will eventually begin to function - he said.

Zirojević argued that the minister was avoiding the essence of the question posed to him, namely the allegations contained in published transcripts and communications.

- You should not be arguing with convicted individuals, but with the arguments and published transcripts. What matters here is not who presents the information, but the content of that information - he said.

In conclusion, he accused Krapović of jeopardizing his safety by publicly disclosing details about his residence.

- You have pointed out where I live. You have effectively provided the location to anyone who might wish to harm me. But you will not succeed in intimidating me - Zirojević stated.

Rather than dispelling doubts raised by the published allegations and answering questions of public interest, the Minister of Defence turned his appearance into a series of accusations, insinuations, and personal attacks. Such an approach further undermines political dialogue and public trust in institutions. When the holder of one of the most important positions within the security system uses a position of power to publicly label political opponents, disclose details from their private lives, and make accusations without evidence, serious questions of accountability inevitably arise.