DRŽAVNA REPRESIJA I JAVNO MNENJE BEOGRADA 1948-1965.
STATE REPRESSION AND PUBLIC OPINION IN BELGRADE 1948-1965

Summary/Abstract: State repression in Yugoslavia after 1948 is a topic which for the time being can only be followed through public sources. Hence, the subject of this work is the attitude of the public towards the repression exercised by the state over the population. This attitude is represented in three aspects: publicly expressed views of party leaders, legislature, treatment of repression on local city party meetings and the writing of the Belgrade press. As in other spheres of life, the conflict with Stalin initially led to an increase in both indoctrination and repression. An atmosphere of fear and persecution was instilled, while the remnants of democracy within the party were abolished. In time, the terror of the state slackened as a result of general liberalization and the wish to create a positive impression of Yugoslavia in the West. Laws were changed to reduce the authority of the secret police. The press wrote of this with relief. The leaders repeatedly stressed the humane and tolerant character of the regime, especially when compared with East Europe. There were, few political trials during the 60s although the threat was still present, contained in repressive legal acts.

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