Hearing for Miličević and Others Closed to the Public: Court Decision Pending

(Patria) - A hearing for Milan Miličević, Meša Jašarević and Mehmed Dubravac was held at the Banja Luka District Court building, based on a motion by the Republika Srpska Prosecutor's Office for detention. The hearing was closed to the public, and even the lawyers of the suspects did not provide many details.

Miličević, who is also the mayor of Teslić and president of the SDS, together with two other councillors, is charged with the serious criminal offence of influence peddling and bribery.

Lawyer Nenad Kovačević did not wish to comment on whether Miličević is remaining silent or has presented an active defence.

A decision on whether Miličević will be kept in detention will be made later during the day, Kovačević said.

Lawyer Dejan Nešković, the defence attorney for the third suspect Meša Jašarević, briefly addressed the media.

“The hearing went well. The prosecution presented its evidence, the defence presented its own, and we are now awaiting the court's decision. The prosecution is seeking detention on only one ground, namely the possibility of influencing witnesses,” Nešković commented.

Supporters of the SDS gathered around the court building, and strong police forces are monitoring the situation. Those gathered are demanding freedom for Miličević.