Montenegro Appeal Court Strikes Down ‘Coup Plot’ Verdicts

Andrija Mandic (R) and Milan Knezevic (L) , leaders of the pro-Russian opposition Democratic Front, attend a press conference in Podgorica, Montenegro. Photo: EFE-EPA/BORIS PEJOVIC

The court said it had revoked the first-instance verdict citing procedural mistakes. "Significant violations of criminal procedure were committed due to which neither factual nor legal conclusions could be accepted in the first instance verdict," the Court said.

On May 9, 2019, the Higher Court found 13 suspects guilty of attempting to overthrow the now former government in 2016, concluding a trial that the then opposition claimed was politically directed. The Appeal Court started hearings on the defence appeal last September.

Meanwhile, the Special State Prosecutor, Milivoje Katnic, told the daily newspaper Vijesti that his Office was investigating a complaint about his allegedly unscrupulous role in the trial of the 13 suspects.

"I'm surprised by [Zivko] Savovic's accusations, who is an honest man and a professional. I also know we had good relations and he did not hide that. He invited me to the wedding," Katnic told Vijesti.

"I call on anyone who has something against my work to submit a complaint. Of course, they will also bear the responsibility for false reporting if it is determined that the allegations are not true," he added.

Media reported that Savovic submitted a complaint to the Supreme Prosecutors Office two days ago, calling on them to investigate the Special Prosecutor's work in the "coup plot" trial, and saying he had discovered illegal acts during an investigation.

Savovic told Vijesti that he had also filed a complaint against Special Prosecutor Sasa Cadjenovic and a judge in the coup plot trial,...

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