Affair 'Spengavanje': Prosecutors seek contact ban with Nikšić, defense claims no crime committed

A hearing was held before the POSKOK of the Supreme Court of the Federation of BiH to determine restrictive measures for the acting director of the Federal Police Administration (FUP) Vahidin Munjić, inspector Muhamed Ohranović, head of the FBiH Prime Minister's Cabinet Arijana Huseinović-Ajanović, and director of the FMUP Police Academy Ervin Mušinović.

The prosecution, represented by prosecutors Aida Bešlija and Medina Džerahović, proposed a ban on performing official duties and business activities, a ban on visiting certain places, and a ban on contact with certain individuals.

A ban on contact with Prime Minister Nikšić, Federal Minister of Internal Affairs Ram Isak, Director of the Civil Service Agency Refik Begić, and others was also requested.

Mediation and Sharing of Prosecutorial Acts

The prosecution states that there is a well-founded suspicion that the suspects have committed multiple criminal offenses of abuse of office for personal gain and trading in influence over a longer period.

It was emphasized that they have continuous and stable connections, as well as the motive and opportunity to continue committing the same or similar corrupt acts, as well as to exert pressure on witnesses.

Today, the prosecutors highlighted that Munjić sent Arijana a photograph of a document from the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office in Sarajevo informing about checks on ministers and the FBiH Government's prime minister, and that he also checked information from criminal proceedings and sent it to Nikšić's chief of staff.

Conversations between Ohranović and Munjić related to checks against the former mayor of Novo Sarajevo Municipality, Hasan Tanović, were also presented. Munjić, as stated, took a picture of the request and sent it to Ohranović, and later they arranged a meeting "to further discuss Tanović and other matters."

The prosecutors also highlighted mediation in favoring the employment of Amina Imamović and Alma Čengić. Mirela Bubalo, now an advisor to the mayor of Novo Sarajevo Municipality, Benjamina Karić, and Mušinović sent messages to Munjić, pointing out Imamović, stating that she is a "top girl," and inquiring whether the competition at the FBiH Civil Service Agency was rigged for anyone.

"Everyone knows when there's a test," said the prosecutor.

Mušinović also guaranteed for Čengić to Munjić, stating that she is "ideal for forensics," to which he received the answer: "Okay."

"For a great reward"

Mušinović then, the prosecutor added, forwarded him the link to the competition of the Civil Service Agency. Munjić sent him a screenshot showing the director's act. Čengić was circled as number one.

"Alma contacts Vahidin herself, suggests they meet and thanks him," said the prosecutor.

The mediation in the appointment of Munjić's cousin, Safet Trakić, was also mentioned today. He was appointed to the position of executive director at BH Pošta.

"Oh dear Vahidine, you are for a great reward," the prosecutor quoted a message Trakić sent to his cousin.

Messages exchanged regarding Ohranović's mediation for Munjić's appointment as FUP director were also mentioned. Munjić promised him advancement and a transfer to the prime minister's security detail.

Alena Begović, the lawyer for Munjić and Mušinović, stated that they oppose the proposals and that the evidence does not indicate a well-founded suspicion that they have committed a criminal offense.

"The only evidence is the correspondence," said Begović, adding that the prosecution has not prepared any witness statements or material documentation to support the correspondence. Specifically, Begović objected to the prosecution for not investigating the claims made in the correspondence.

Is there evidence?

She referred to Imamović, stating that she was the second-ranked candidate in the competition and that the first-ranked candidate, Dajana Knežević, was hired for this position.

"Every message does not necessarily mean that an incriminating action was carried out. It had to be supported by evidence," explained the lawyer.

She also stated that Mušinović does not hold the same position he held during the period of the alleged offense.

Munjić also addressed the court, stating that he has never revealed any operation in his life.

Regarding the acts for collecting documentation related to Tanović, Munjić says that nothing is hidden there and that such matters are forwarded to the Municipality.

"I always circled the first one - whoever has the most points," he stated, referring to the employment of Imamović and Čengić.

He also pointed out that he has worked with Ohranović for 30 years.

"People with less seniority have advanced longer. He was evaluated by the Commission, I just accepted it," said Munjić.

Ohranović is retiring

Ohranović's defense stated that such a proposal does not deserve a response, that it is sufficient to dismiss it and sit down, but they did respond.

His lawyer, Sanin Pešto, said that it was impossible to influence the FBiH Government to appoint Munjić, and that the correspondence represents informing, not mediation. They emphasized that Ohranović advanced in 2017 according to the Rulebook from 2015, and that he is not part of the prime minister's security detail.

"We understand the prosecution. The procedure is, obviously, impulsive. However, these people cannot be brought to court based on interpretations. Ohranović informs, he does not promise. He provides information, he does not finalize," said the lawyer.

He also said that Ohranović is retiring on January 15 and will be on vacation.

"He will not be performing duties, possibly for a day or two for something he needs for his files. It is formally impossible for him to commit any action," said Pešto, proposing that the motion be rejected.

Arijana possesses information

Jasmir Muratović, Huseinović-Ajanović's lawyer, said that he has reviewed the court file, which is "almost empty."

"There is nothing in it. The defense has been denied everything. The media have published everything or relevant parts. How is it possible that the defense is denied, but the media have access? The whole country knows what was in the first suspect's phone. Pressure is being put on the court. These people have already been accused and convicted," said Muratović.

He adds that it is undisputed that Huseinović-Ajanović possesses a large amount of information due to her position.

The prosecution responded to the defense's claims, assessing that the evidence is sufficient in its quality at this moment.

The court will rule on the prosecution's proposal within the next 24 hours, writes Odgovor.ba.