Simic: I have absolutely nothing to do with the attack on journalists in Leposavic

Slavko Simic, an MP from the Serb List, who is being prosecuted by the North Mitrovica Prosecutor’s Office for the attack on journalists in Leposavic in 2023, stated today after the preparatory hearing at the Basic Court in North Mitrovica that he has nothing to do with the case and that he is absolutely innocent.

“I have absolutely nothing to do with this case and I am absolutely innocent. Of course, in the further proceedings, when the time comes, I will declare myself as such. My life and political mission have always been to call for peace, coexistence, dialogue, and resolving all problems through institutions and in no other way,” Simic told reporters.

He explained that his basic principles and political code are grounded in respect for journalistic work.

“My basic principles and my political code are based on the idea that journalists are sacred and that no one must touch a journalist. That is how I have always treated journalists, both in the north and in the south. Whenever I came across Albanian journalists in the north during protests over the past several years, I always came to their aid and offered support, technical and in every other sense,” he said.

Simic added that he had already publicly condemned this attack in the past, and that he was doing so again today.

“I have absolutely nothing to do with this incident. At the time, I publicly stated my position and condemned the attack. And now, here in front of this Basic Court in Mitrovica, I once again publicly declare and strongly condemn the attack on journalists and media crews. I ask you to report transparently on this trial that will be conducted against me,” Simic stressed.

In conclusion, he said that justice and truth are on his side and that he believes he will prove it.

“I fear nothing, I am afraid of nothing, I am absolutely innocent. Justice and truth are on my side, and I am convinced that I will prove justice and truth,” Simic said.

The trial of Serb List MP Slavko Simic and Uros Vukasinovic, who are accused of the attack on journalists in Leposavic in 2023, has been postponed by the Basic Court in North Mitrovica to October 9, because the defense attorneys had not been provided with case files in the Serbian language.