Belgrade pharmacy robber arrested, confesses to prosecutors
A 54-year-old man was arrested in central Belgrade on suspicion of attacking two pharmacies with a knife. He robbed one and failed at the other, then confessed, and prosecutors are seeking detention.
- A man identified as N.M. (54) was arrested in central Belgrade.
- He is accused of attacking two pharmacies at knifepoint, robbing one and failing at the other.
- From one till he allegedly took about 8,900 dinars in daily proceeds.
- He confessed, and the First Basic Public Prosecutor's Office has requested detention.
A man identified as N.M. (54) has been arrested in central Belgrade on suspicion of attacking two pharmacies at knifepoint. The First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade has charged him with robbery and attempted robbery.
According to prosecutors, the suspect entered a pharmacy on Kralja Milana Street on July 22, around 6 p.m. He allegedly threatened an employee with a knife and demanded money. At that pharmacy he failed to seize the cash and left empty-handed.
Shortly afterward, he allegedly went to a second pharmacy on Nemanjina Street. There too, prosecutors say, he threatened the staff at the counter with a knife. He took roughly 8,900 dinars in daily takings from the till and fled the scene.
Police tracked the suspect quickly and arrested him the same day. The pretrial proceedings are led by the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office, which has jurisdiction over such offenses in the city.
A confession during questioning
During questioning at the prosecutor’s office, the suspect confessed to both alleged offenses. In legal terms, a confession is only one piece of evidence that a court weighs later. It does not automatically establish final guilt.
Until the proceedings conclude, N.M. is presumed innocent. Guilt is determined solely by a final court ruling, not by a statement given during the investigation. The suspect has the right to a defense lawyer and the right to remain silent.
Attacks on pharmacies and smaller shops are not rare in the city’s crime pages. The targets are usually premises with few staff and cash in the till at the end of a shift. Under the Criminal Code, robbery carries a prison sentence measured in years.
Why are prosecutors seeking detention?
The First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office has asked the competent court to place the suspect in detention. It cited concern that, if released, he could commit a similar offense.
At this stage, detention is not a punishment but a measure to secure the suspect’s presence and prevent interference with the case. A preliminary-proceedings judge decides on the request within the statutory deadline. The court may order detention or replace it with a lighter measure, such as a ban on leaving one’s place of residence.
If the court grants the request, detention is initially set for up to 30 days, with the possibility of extension. Only after the investigation and any indictment would the case reach a court verdict. Until then, there are only the prosecutors’ suspicions and the confession given during the inquiry.
The case again raises the question of how to protect counter staff during evening hours. In your view, how could employees at pharmacies and small shops be better shielded from attacks like this?
