Article: In Serbia, prime minister's slaying triggers mafia roundup; More than 3,000 alleged crime figures and corrupt officials have been brought in since March 12.(WORLD)

Byline: John Phillips Special to The Christian Science Monitor

BELGRADE, SERBIA-MONTENEGRO -- After the assassination of pro-Western Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic earlier this month, many here feared that Serbia's reform efforts might stall.

But the politician's death appears to be having an opposite effect - propelling a campaign to root out corruption.

In their hunt for the assassins, police have rounded up thousands of suspected mafia figures in the biggest crackdown yet on organized crime in the Balkans.

"If they can keep this up for another two weeks, I am optimistic that Djindjic's death will be seen as the spark that gave Serbia ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!