Peaceful gathering at GRAS premises: We appeal to institutions to consider all evidence and then judge

(Patria) - A peaceful gathering of workers was held today at the premises of KJKP GRAS, and Amir Muminović, representing the GRAS Trade Union, addressed the media. He stated that this is solely a gathering to pay tribute to the deceased young man, wish a speedy recovery to the injured, and show support for a colleague suspected in the tragic tram accident that resulted in a fatality.

Minister Adnan Šteta also arrived at GRAS premises and promised to address journalists after the meeting concludes.

"We are not condemning anyone in advance, nor will we go down that path. Let the authorities do their job. If someone is proven guilty, let them be held accountable. What we said on the first day, and what we maintain, is that the driver is not guilty. We hope the court will prove that," Muminović stated.

When asked to comment on the fact that the competent prosecutor's office has characterized the GRAS driver as the sole suspect in this case, he refused to comment and urged the authorities to do their job.

"We will present what we know and what we believe. Is that the procedure? I must point out that, reading comments and media reports, there was a lot in the public saying he was guilty, then the picture changed, perhaps people understood. When you consider all the facts, no one would foolishly enter that intersection like that. To make a turn with a functioning tram, if there's even a 50 percent chance of developing acceleration, even if you wanted to, then convict me. People have been driving on these routes for years, they know how everything works, and they can't enter quickly even if they wanted to. Unfortunately, it was an unforeseen malfunction, no one could have influenced it," he emphasized.

Muminović, who works in trolleybus maintenance, confirmed that he had heard from colleagues that they had previously warned about similar situations. He cited a similar situation in trolleybus traffic as an example, he noted.

"If something similar is reported, the vehicle is inspected. I give the example of that trolleybus; it was a long time ago, we inspected that trolleybus for a month, it worked for another 15 years and was eventually scrapped," he added.

Does the problematic tram have a camera?

"They say it does. I don't know if these older vehicles have them. We would like them to have them for the drivers' sake. If it does, the footage will likely be retrieved. We appeal to the relevant institutions to consider all the evidence and then judge. We have an innocent victim, we have a young woman whose life is being fought for. It would not be good for someone innocent to rot in prison," Muminović said.

Why hasn't GRAS director Senad Mujagić commented yet?

"I have spoken with the director several times. As for why he isn't commenting? I want to believe, and I know, that it is difficult for the man to appear in the media, and he will probably give a statement when he deems it appropriate. It's not easy for him or his family," he replied.

He also warned of a "chronic shortage of vehicles," emphasizing that "if new vehicles had not been purchased and part of the track modernized, tram traffic would not even exist, it would be reduced to one line."

He points out that more new vehicles are needed and that, as far as he knows, procedures have been initiated for that, in order to completely remove old vehicles from traffic.

"The fleet was old until the procurement of new vehicles. The trade union had been warning for a long time that the fleet was on its last legs. We didn't have anyone listening until about four years ago. It has improved, and no one can deny that," Muminović emphasized, reports N1.