FIRST-INSTANCE VERDICT: Senaid Memić and Others Acquitted of Charges

(Patria) - The Cantonal Court in Sarajevo acquitted Senaid Memić, Ljiljana Eterović, Azra Mulaosmanović, Amir Arnautović and Sanja Čizmedžić of charges of committing the criminal offense of abuse of position or authority.

The first defendant, Senaid Memić, was accused of knowingly and intentionally using his official position as municipal mayor to procure non-pecuniary and pecuniary benefits for the investors "Panamera" d.o.o. Sarajevo and "Malak Group" d.o.o. Sarajevo.

The panel was not unanimous in reaching the verdict.

Panel President Adisa Zahiragić stated in the explanation of the verdict, among other things, that the intent to procure property benefits for the legal entities was not proven.

She recalled that it is necessary, in addition to proving the intent for the actions of the accused in violating regulations within their official authority, which in this case was evidently done, to also prove the intention of the accused that they indeed did so to procure benefits for the legal entities, or whether there was some other reason. It was also not proven that any of the accused knew anyone from the legal entities "Panamera" d.o.o. Sarajevo and "Malak Group" d.o.o. Sarajevo.

The Panel President also stated that any doubt in the evidence must be resolved in favor of the accused. In this case, the doubt regarding the intention with which the accused acted was not confirmed.

The measure prohibiting Senaid Memić from leaving his place of residence and traveling outside Bosnia and Herzegovina was lifted, as well as the additional measures of temporary seizure of his passport and ID card.

This is a first-instance verdict against which the parties and defense attorneys may file an appeal.