The initial hearing against Slavko Simić, deputy chairman of Lista Srpska (Serb List), and Uroš Vukašinović, accused of inciting protesters to attack Albanian journalists during unrest in Leposavić on June 16, 2023, has been postponed due to missing case files for Simić and his defense.
In addition to the two defendants, several injured journalists were present in court, including Dorentina Thaçi, Bardh Bekteshi, Leonard Berisha, Bashkim Gjikolli, Albin Rrahmani, and Arton Rama. Absent were Laura Kerolli, Ardian Shala, Saranda Ramaj, Qëndresa Sinani, and Enea Mehmeti.
Judge Shqipe Sejdiu, presiding over the panel, said that Simić’s lawyer, Dejan Vasić, had submitted a motion before the hearing claiming that they had never received the case files. Prosecutor Ajtene Zoni responded that the lawyer had been contacted by phone to collect the documents but had not answered. Vasić denied ever being contacted by the prosecution.
Similarly, Nebojša Vlahić, defense counsel for Vukašinović, confirmed receiving the case files but also raised objections to their content.
Following these developments, Judge Sejdiu announced that the initial hearing will be rescheduled for October 9 at 13:30.
Defense lawyers representing the injured journalists expressed dissatisfaction, accusing the prosecution of failing in its duties. Attorney Musa Damati called the postponement a “spectacle,” while Gazmend Halilaj, representing journalist Pleurat Salihu, said the failure to provide case documents showed prosecutorial negligence and warned of possible disciplinary action against the prosecutor.
Meanwhile, Slavko Simić reiterated that he is innocent.
According to the indictment filed by the Basic Prosecution in Mitrovica, on June 16, 2023, during a protest against the visit of the Minister of Local Government Administration, Elbert Krasniqi, Simić ordered the crowd to attack media crews. Journalists were subsequently assaulted with stun grenades, punches, kicks, and blunt objects.
Simić is charged with “Participation in a crowd committing a criminal offense and hooliganism”, while Uroš Vukašinović faces additional charges of assault.
