Jovićević: I would dismiss the complaint against Lazović again, Katnić never influenced my decisions

I would dismiss the criminal complaint against former senior police official Zoran Lazović and others who were suspected of lifting the entry ban for Serbian nationals Veljko Belivuk and Marko Miljković again - was the response of special prosecutor Sanja Jovićević before the High Court in the proceedings initiated by the Special State Prosecutor’s Office against Lazović, former Chief Special Prosecutor Milivoje Katnić and suspended prosecutor Saša Čađenović.

Prosecutor Jovićević made this statement in response to a question from one of Lazović’s defense attorneys, Zoran Piperović.

Prosecutor Jovićević explained that, based on the factual situation contained in the case files, she would act the same way again - by issuing a decision dismissing the complaint against Lazović and the others.

- I cannot know what additional material might have been in the case file that would have led to a different decision - Jovićević said.

With these statements, she completely dismantled the allegations in the indictment, represented by prosecutor Miloš Šoškić, which accuses Katnić, Lazović, and Čađenović of abuse of official position in favor of the „Kavač“ criminal clan.

Prosecutor Jovićević emphasized that she had thoroughly reasoned her decision to dismiss the complaint, providing a factual and legal assessment that there was no reasonable suspicion that any person had committed the criminal offense alleged. She described whom she had questioned in the case and what actions she had undertaken. She clarified that the criminal complaint against Lazović and the others had been filed by member of parliament Marko Milačić.

In response to a question from attorney Stefan Jovanović, the prosecutor was categorical that no one had contacted her regarding the case, nor had anyone told or suggested what decision she should make.

- Neither in this case nor in any other, neither orally nor in writing, did anyone influence my decision. The then Chief Special Prosecutor Katnić never had any influence in any case - Jovićević stated.

She also said today, in response to attorney Piperović’s question, that a criminal complaint filed against her over her handling of the case had been dismissed.

- The complaint was dismissed by Chief Special Prosecutor Vladimir Novović - Jovićević said while answering Piperović’s questions.

After that, the attorney emphasized that once the criminal complaint against Jovićević had been dismissed, the question arose as to why Zoran Lazović had been indicted.

Jovićević also explained that some documents in the proceedings had been signed by the then Chief Special Prosecutor because she was busy. This was not only the case in that matter, but in some others as well, and exclusively when, due to attendance at hearings, she was unable to do so herself.

- When I issued the decision dismissing the complaint, Milačić filed complaints with the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office, and those were dismissed - Jovićević said.

She was categorical that Katnić did not request access to the case files relating to the dismissal of the complaint against Zoran Lazović and the others.

She reiterated that there had been no influence in this case or in any other.

In response to attorney Piperović’s question, she denied the allegations from the indictment that he had been in her office with Zoran Lazović ahead of the hearing.

- Attorney Piperović came to my office only once, and that was in connection with proceedings against the Mayor of Ulcinj - the witness said.

The trial continues on January 13th, when the questioning of former deputy director Enis Baković is scheduled.