Aleksandar Šapić accused of hitting woman at New Belgrade rally
Former water polo star and current Belgrade mayor is accused of injuring a woman's nose during a rally; President Vučić said he must step aside.
Aleksandar Šapić, the former world-class water polo player who is now mayor of Belgrade, has been accused of striking a woman during a rally in New Belgrade on 29 September 2026. The woman says the blow ruptured her nose; the episode quickly drew public attention because of Šapić’s sporting background and his membership in the ruling party.
What happened at the rally
According to reports and the woman’s statement, a scuffle broke out at a gathering in New Belgrade and Šapić struck the woman in the face. Šapić later told reporters that he had only pushed her away, saying he acted out of fear that something might happen to him, a claim his opponents contest.
The incident provoked an immediate reaction from political and public figures. President Aleksandar Vučić said the behaviour was unacceptable and called for Šapić to be removed from his post: "There is no justification whatsoever, he is an official and must step aside."
Across the region, many recalled Šapić’s former status as a leading water polo player and contrasted the accusations with the conduct expected of celebrated athletes. Names frequently invoked in the reaction included Novak Djokovic, Dejan Bodiroga, Zeljko Obradovic and Aleksandar Djordjevic — sports figures who, commentators said, would not have acted in a similar way.
Local sources say the woman sought medical attention and has made a statement to the authorities; formal charges or the results of any investigation have not been announced. Šapić remains mayor while calls for clarification and for political consequences grow louder.
The case is under close public scrutiny and developments are expected as investigators review witness accounts and any available footage. The episode was first reported on 29 September 2026.
Photo: press material from the event
