Vlajic: The verdict against Arsic is absurd, it will not contribute to Serbs’ trust in Kosovo’s judiciary

Attorney Nebojsa Vlajic stated that the repeated verdict sentencing Dusko Arsic to 13 years in prison is absurd, particularly considering that in the previous proceedings Arsic had been convicted of multiple acts which, according to Vlajic, have now been excluded from the indictment. The defense will appeal the ruling.

“An absurd verdict—indeed, even more absurd than the previous one, although at first glance it appears identical. Both verdicts impose a sentence of 13 years’ imprisonment. However, in the earlier proceedings Dusko Arsic was convicted of more acts, and this judge stated that many of them were not proven and therefore were removed from the indictment. How is it possible that, if part of the previous charges were not proven, the same sentence of 13 years is imposed?” Vlajic asked.

He emphasized that this reflects a “stubborn position of the court,” which, he said, did not accept any of the substantive objections raised by the Court of Appeals, except for technical remarks requiring that certain matters be presented as evidence.

“The verdict will certainly not contribute to the Serbian people’s trust in the judiciary and justice system in Kosovo, because a ruling that is deeply unjust and unsubstantiated brings justice neither to the injured party nor to the defendant,” Vlajic stated.

He announced that an appeal will be filed against the verdict.

“I doubt that the Court of Appeals will be pleased with a ruling like this one, which it previously annulled,” Vlajic added.