Dear Reader, This is the fifth Annual Report of the Protector of Citizens on the activities accomplished by the Protector of Citizens in discharging the tasks of the National Preventive Mechanism in the Republic of Serbia. Prevention of torture is one of the commitments adopted by the Republic of Serbia towards its citizens and the international convention to which it is a party. In 2016, 92 visits were made to the places accommodating the persons deprived of their liberty and in view of the identified irregularities, 318 recommendations have been addressed to the competent authorities. By way of presenting the findings and general and individual recommendations for the improvement of the current situation, the Report offers a clear and achievable course towards attaining the society free from torture, as an ideal objective. Nevertheless, the report clearly shows that the approach to the unfeasible goal is not in itself blurry or impossible, not even too hard or expensive. It is upon us to accelerate this process, without any excuse or exception, for the sake of the victims of torture but also the dignity of all of us. Where a single human being is exposed to inhuman treatment, nobody’s dignity can be guaranteed. I would like to thank to all the bodies, associations of citizens and persons with whom we cooperated during the reporting period, while discharging the operations of the National Preventive Mechanism. Milos Jankovic Acting Protector of Citizens