Mother of murdered Faris Pendek: My child was killed by a person from the world of alcohol, crime, drugs, just out of whim and arrogance

(Patria) - Closing statements were held at the Sarajevo Cantonal Court for the murder of Faris Pendek. The prosecuting attorney requested that the accused Adem Šuman be sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Prosecutor Iva Kurilić stated that the presented evidence unequivocally established that Šuman is responsible for Pendek's murder, while the other accused are accomplices in this crime.

"Honorable Court, do not be misled; he did not surrender because he wanted to, but because he had to. We did not see a shred of remorse. His words were cold, insincere, falsely apologizing only at the last hearing when all the evidence from the prosecution and even the defense was presented, and when he realized that everything in the case was as clear as day and that he had nothing to say but to falsely apologize. He is guilty, as are Gradišić and Saljević, each within their own scope. We ask you to declare them as such," said Kurilić.

Today, Faris's mother Erna Pendek also addressed the trial chamber with her closing statement, speaking with tears in her eyes about everything that had befallen her and her family.

"Everything that could have been will not be, everything that should have been is gone. Faris's untold and unlived stories remain. Only the broken heart of his mother, father, and brother remains. My Faris, my beautiful boy with black hair and blue eyes. Beloved among his friends, he loved to socialize and play football. Girls saw him as their crush, friends as a reliable companion. Everyone always said he was quiet and reserved, yet very witty. 'Your Faris is no longer alive,' the police officers who came to our door told me, without saying why or how. I couldn't utter a word, but a mother's instinct demanded an answer. I found out from the internet that my Faris was killed in front of the house, 100-200 meters away. Who could have killed my wonderful, noble child, who never held a grudge against anyone, let alone done anyone harm? That night, his life was taken by someone he didn't even know. A killer from the dark world of alcohol, crime, drugs, just out of whim and arrogance. Drunk and drugged, that night he had to demonstrate his power and kill someone, and that someone was my child, my Faris. He could do it. He had a gun for fun and friends who helped him in that misdeed," recounted Erna Pendek.

She also expressed regret that the public and citizens could not see who the murderers of this city are, because the accused did not allow themselves to be recorded or photographed.

According to the indictment, Adem Šuman is charged with, on January 28, 2024, at approximately 11:30 PM, at a traffic intersection in the Sarajevo neighborhood of Otoka, without a driver's license and without any motive or reason, blocking the path of four friends who were in a Citroën with his Peugeot car.

The accused opened the window and addressed them with the words: "What are you looking at me for, stop here."

He approached their car and, intending to confront them, without leaving his vehicle, moved to the passenger seat and through the open window punched two of them with his fist, then took a pistol from the glove compartment and struck them again with the pistol grip.

After that, through the open window, he fired one bullet that hit Faris Pendek in the chest and killed him.

After the murder, Šuman fled and met with the accused Elmedin Gradišić and Mersim Saljević, who helped him hide evidence and cover up traces.

The verdict will be pronounced on June 17.