Senjak: details of former Belgrade police chief's statement, 30 days' detention
Former Belgrade Police Administration chief Veselin M. denied guilt in his statement before the prosecutor's office, which sought detention citing possible influence on witnesses.
- Former Belgrade Police Administration chief Veselin M. denied guilt in his statement before the prosecutor's office.
- He faces charges of failure to report a criminal offense and offender, as well as assistance to the offender after the offense.
- A pretrial judge at the Belgrade Higher Court ordered up to 30 days' detention.
- The investigation has been expanded to 10 suspects, with multiple statements and orders issued so far.
The Belgrade Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office has questioned several suspects in the investigation into the aggravated murder at a Senjak restaurant, including the former chief of the Belgrade Police Administration, Veselin M. The questioning took place as part of the case being conducted over the events of May 12.
According to informal accounts from sources close to the investigation, the suspect faces charges of failure to report a criminal offense and offender under Article 332 of the Criminal Code, as well as assistance to the offender after the commission of a criminal offense under Article 333 of the Criminal Code.
What he said in his statement
According to informal accounts, the suspect said in his statement that he was at the Senjak restaurant from the afternoon hours until shortly before the critical moment. He claimed, according to the accounts, that he was not present at the time of the events that led to the disappearance of A. N.
After questioning all suspects, the prosecutor’s office moved for detention. The pretrial judge at the Belgrade Higher Court ordered detention of up to 30 days, citing:
- possible influence on witnesses
- particular circumstances pointing to the risk of repeated offending
- the gravity of the case and the level of the prescribed sentence
Legal classification
The offense of failure to report a criminal offense and offender under Article 332 of the Criminal Code carries a fine or up to 3 years in prison. The offense of assistance to the offender after the commission of a criminal offense under Article 333 of the Criminal Code may be punished by 6 months to 5 years in prison.
The offense under Article 333 of the Criminal Code, when assistance is provided to an offender of a criminal offense punishable by more than 10 years’ imprisonment, is punishable by 1 to 8 years in prison under the applicable statutory classification.
The Belgrade Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office called on media to refrain from publishing unverified information related to the investigation, saying that this could affect the proceedings.
What comes next in the probe
The investigation has been expanded to 10 suspects linked to the May 12 events. Forensic examination of DNA traces is underway, as well as forensic work on electronic devices seized during searches.
Under standard procedure, after the initial 30-day period expires, the pretrial judge will decide on a possible extension. The Belgrade Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office will keep the public informed about further proceedings via official releases, according to the prosecutor’s latest statement.
The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a final court decision.
Will the investigation reach new suspects in the coming days?
