Seven Serbian police officers were arrested in Bor on suspicion of mistreating and torturing two men accused in the death of a 2-year-old child. Prosecutors said the arrests were carried out after the Higher Prosecutor’s Office in Nis ordered detention of the suspects, but police internal control failed to follow the instructions. The arrests were conducted at the Police Administration in Bor, television EN1 reported, citing the Higher Prosecutor’s Office in Nis. The seven officers are suspected of causing serious bodily injuries and of jointly committing mistreatment and torture. The men they allegedly abused were being held on suspicion related to the child death case. The case returned to the spotlight after allegations about how interrogations and custody were handled. The 2-year-old girl disappeared on 26 March 2024 in the settlement of Bansko Polje while with her mother and brother. Police later arrested two men suspected in the death. Prosecutors said the suspects initially made confessions, but later withdrew them, alleging they had been forced by fear and physical violence during questioning. Separate concerns emerged after the death of one of the suspect’s relatives, who died in police custody in April 2024. Medical findings reported by the outlet Radar described multiple injuries, including broken ribs. The seven officers were detained for up to 48 hours and must then be brought before a prosecutor for questioning. Prosecutors highlighted the role of the Internal Control Sector at the Serbian Ministry of Interior, noting that new detention orders were issued, but were not implemented. The investigation is ongoing.