Novi Sad: 30-Day Detention for Masked Attackers on Minors
The Higher Court in Novi Sad ordered up to 30 days of detention for two suspects who, prosecutors say, wore masks and beat two minors with bats near the Medical School.
- The Higher Court in Novi Sad ordered up to 30 days of detention for two suspects.
- The attack took place on July 15 near the Medical School, when, prosecutors say, two masked men beat two minors with bats.
- Prosecutors classify the act as attempted aggravated murder by co-perpetration, combined with violent conduct.
- One minor suffered serious injuries, the other lighter ones.
The Higher Court in Novi Sad has ordered up to 30 days of detention for two suspects in an attack on two minors. The suspects are P. J. (22) and O. M. (21) from Novi Sad. The ruling was issued during the pre-trial phase, on the order of the competent prosecution.
The attack took place on July 15 near the Medical School in Novi Sad. According to prosecutors, two masked attackers ran up to the minors and beat them with bats. One minor suffered serious bodily injuries. The other sustained lighter injuries.
For now, the suspects are charged with attempted aggravated murder by co-perpetration. Under the prosecution’s classification, the act is combined with violent conduct. The final legal qualification may change until an indictment is filed.
Why did the court order 30 days of detention?
The detention was justified on several statutory grounds. The court cited the risk of influencing witnesses. It also pointed to an assessment that the suspects could repeat the offense if released. The public alarm the case has caused was listed as a further reason.
Detention of up to 30 days is a measure to secure the presence of the accused, not a punishment. It lasts while evidence is gathered and witnesses are questioned. After that period the court may extend it, lift it, or replace it with a lighter measure. Neither suspect’s guilt has been established by a final ruling.
The identity of both minors remains protected. The law on juveniles and the protection of minors requires full anonymity, regardless of whether they are victims or participants. For that reason this case does not disclose their names, the school they attend, or other details by which they could be recognized.
What is known about the course of the investigation?
Prosecutors and police are now establishing all the circumstances of the attack. They are checking the motive and whether the attackers and victims had any earlier conflict. They are also examining whether the attack was planned in advance, something the masks and bats could point to.
The attackers’ masks make reconstructing the event harder. Expert analysis and witness statements therefore carry particular weight. By the end of the investigation the prosecution will decide whether the indictment stays at attempted aggravated murder or is amended.
Attacks on minors in public spaces have drawn heightened attention recently. Schools and their surroundings enjoy additional legal protection. The case near the Medical School will be placed in that wider context of youth safety.
For now, it is known that both suspects are in detention and that the proceedings are only entering the evidence-gathering phase. The next steps depend on the experts’ findings and the questioning of witnesses. In your view, how can the state best protect minors around schools?
