Bandić's detention lifted, out of custody on Monday?

The non-trial panel has, for "procedural reasons", lifted the decision on imposing pre-trial detention on Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandić, Slobodan Ljubičić, and seven other suspects. However, they did not leave Remetinec today like Pripuz, Lack and Markus, because a new hearing at which the investigative judge will again decide on pre-trial detention for them is scheduled for Monday, Croatian media report, as stated by the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

Spokesperson for the County Court Krešimir Devčić told reporters in front of the court that the decision on detention for Bandić and eight other suspects was lifted because the Panel believes that "the investigative judge did not justify the same decision on bail for the remaining suspects, which he was obliged to do".

In addition to Bandić and Ljubičić, those remaining in detention are Željko Horvat, ZET director Ivan Tolić, Zagreb Holding public procurement officer Filip Čulo, Cleanliness director Miljenko Benko, construction company Bramgrad projekt director Branko Mihaljević, head of the mayor's professional service Vidoje Bulum, and Secretary General of the Zagreb Sports Association Zdenko Antunović.

Judge Posavec ordered pre-trial detention for all suspects for whom the USKOK requested it at the beginning of last week. However, he accepted Pripuz's bail of HRK 7.75 million, while he allowed Lack and Markus to defend themselves from freedom with a deposit of HRK 100,000.

It is expected that at the new hearing on Monday, to which Bandić will also be brought from Remetinec, some other co-suspects will offer bail. So far, Ljubičić's lawyer has also announced this possibility, confirming yesterday that his client, in addition to bail of HRK 2.4 million, also offered his resignation from his position, in order to eliminate the possibility of re-offending. For the same reason, Pripuz had previously resigned from all positions in companies in which he had an ownership stake.

Unlike them, the main suspect Bandić, whom the USKOK accuses of being the link between all participants in the Agram affair, previously announced that he does not plan to resign, and his lawyer stated that they have not considered bail.

The prosecution announces asset freezes and the questioning of at least 270 witnesses during the investigation, which could take months.

In all of Bandić's wrongdoings, the mayor is suspected of having damaged the city he managed for 12 years, except in the case related to the presidential election campaign where, due to non-payment of taxes on donations received after the 2010 elections.