Vlajic: I will appeal the verdict against Vukotic, we will not give up the fight for the defendant’s rights

The defense attorney for Zoran Vukotic, lawyer Nebojsa Vlajic, announced that he will appeal the verdict by which the Basic Court in Priština today sentenced his client to 15 years in prison, stating that they will not give up the fight for the defendant’s rights.

“Today, a Serb from Vucitrn was sentenced for the criminal offense of war crimes. Several proceedings for war crimes are being conducted against this man, which is illegal and not permissible. This has never existed in the history of criminal justice for war crimes, so it simply cannot be explained to the court, but we will not give up our fight for the defendant’s rights,” Vlajic said.

He added that he will file an appeal against the verdict.

He further explained that Vukotic was tried for four acts in this case, acquitted of three, and convicted of one.

“With regard to this case, he was tried for four different incidents and acquitted of three. The court itself stated there was no evidence to attribute those acts to him. For the fourth and only remaining criminal act, he was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years. I am convinced that the evidentiary situation in that case is absolutely the same as in the other three incidents. I will file an appeal, and I believe that this will have to be reviewed and a decision made just as in the cases for which he was acquitted,” Vlajic said.