The Appellate Court in Niš has confirmed the indictment against former mayor Dragana Sotirovski, who is charged with abuse of official position, the court announced.
The court rejected the defense lawyer’s appeal as unfounded. A three-judge panel dismissed the appeal against the decision of the Higher Court in Niš.
Alleged Misuse of Office
Sotirovski is accused of illegally engaging companies Sim Puk Gradnja and Vodomonteri from March 2022 to July 2024 for various construction works in Niš, bypassing laws, regulations, and city rules. She was initially arrested on February 21, 2025, along with Zoran Stanojević (owner of Sim Puk Gradnja) and Damir and Dejan Nikolić (owners of Vodomonteri Lalinac), who were later placed under house arrest.
Her pre-trial detention was extended multiple times: March 21, April 22, May 20, and July 16, 2025. Shortly before the expiration of her detention, the Special Department for Combating Corruption of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office filed the indictment.
Additional charges have since been added, including matters related to a “Swarovski” watch, incitement, and consulting services.
In total, 14 of Sotirovski’s closest associates were also detained but were soon released. Former city councilor Nenad Stanković, who had been sought since February 24, was arrested on February 27 and later released; he subsequently became president of OFK Sinđelić.
The alleged damage to the Niš city budget is estimated at 843,336,450 dinars.
