Hey, Jaša Jenull, will you help the victims of Udba, the real political police?

Sara Stepanjan, daughter of the late singer Agop Stepanjan, has launched a petition urging European institutions to exert pressure on Serbia to open and protect the archives of former Yugoslav security services. The initiative aims to shed light on the activities of the political police during the communist era. Stepanjan’s call for action is supported by the civil society organization Glas ljudstva, with its initial figurehead being Jaša Jebull. The petition focuses on the need for transparency regarding the operations of the political police, including the State Security Service (UDBA), the Ministry of National Defense (OZNA), and the Public Security Directorate (KOS). These organizations were known for conducting political repression across the former Yugoslavia. Stepanjan argues that without access to these archives, it is impossible to fully understand what happened and who was responsible. Stepanjan's personal experience adds weight to her campaign. She recounts how her father was secretly tried in Ljubljana in the 1980s and sentenced to nine years in prison for alleged subversion and terrorism. Her mother was detained without formal charges during this time. “This wasn’t a distant past, it was a time many still remember,” she emphasizes. She believes her family’s case is not isolated. She highlights that these security agencies carried out political persecution, staged trials, and other forms of repression over decades. As such, she calls for international oversight of the archives, access for victims, and fair redress. In addition to seeking support from the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee, Stepanjan stresses the importance of broader public backing. “We also count on Glas ljudstva, since this is a question of truth and responsibility that goes beyond individual cases,” she says. Stepanjan clarifies that the petition is not about revenge but about uncovering historical truths. “It’s not about retaliation, it’s about clarifying the past,” she concludes. The issue resonates with many who lived through the period of state-sanctioned violence and suppression. Activists and historians have long argued that the lack of accountability for past crimes continues to affect contemporary society. The demand for transparency is part of a larger movement advocating for justice and memory. Civil society groups have increasingly taken up the cause of preserving historical records and ensuring that the actions of past regimes are not forgotten. The push for openness in the archives aligns with broader efforts to confront the legacy of authoritarianism and promote democratic values. This includes not only legal reforms but also cultural shifts toward acknowledging and learning from history. Supporters of the petition argue that access to these documents could help identify those responsible for human rights violations and provide closure to families affected by past injustices. They also believe that such transparency can serve as a deterrent against similar abuses in the future. However, there are concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive information and the challenges of balancing historical inquiry with national sovereignty. As the petition gains traction, it reflects growing public interest in addressing unresolved issues from the past. It also underscores the role of civil society in holding power accountable and demanding justice. With continued support, the campaign may lead to meaningful changes in how historical records are managed and accessed.