Parents of doctors Spahić and Suljić: Let this verdict be a warning to everyone, to stop the bullies on the road

(Patria) - The Cantonal Court in Sarajevo today sentenced Armin Berberović to the maximum prison term of 20 years for reckless driving, without a valid driver's license, and under the influence of alcohol and drugs, killing young doctors at Marijin Dvor. After the verdict, the parents of the deceased doctors Azra Spahić and Alma Suljić addressed the media.

Berberović is charged with, as a participant in traffic, failing to comply with regulations, endangering public traffic, putting human lives at risk, resulting in the death of two people, while one person sustained minor bodily injuries.

Edin Suljić, father of Alma Suljić, who later died from injuries sustained in this horrific accident, stated that this verdict should serve as a warning to everyone.

“The court sent a message to stop these bullies on the road, to save the lives of our youth. After the first hearing, I said that everything was clear, that there is no mitigating circumstance for the perpetrator of this terrible act. Over the past more than a year, we have heard all sorts of statements and nonsense and testimonies presented by the defense, which were full of absurdities and fabricated obstacles. Potholes in the road were mentioned, and I don't know what else the defense did to in any way reduce the perpetrator's sentence,” said Alma Suljić's father.

He then added that the evidence was too clear and convincing all along.

“There was no chance for any verdict other than a guilty one. We are glad and have just learned that this is the first time in the court's history that a maximum sentence has been imposed for this crime. I hope this will be a warning to all of us who are participants in traffic, especially to those who race through the city, who drive without a license, who are under the influence of alcohol and narcotics. As a family, we have tried to appeal to our authorities to pass a new Law on Traffic Safety where penalties for such criminal acts will be significantly stricter. I think we are on the right track and that something like that will happen so that we can save our youth,” emphasized Edin Suljić.

Aida Spahić, mother of young doctor Azra Spahić who died at the scene of the accident, said that the pain of parents for their children cannot be lessened by this or any other imposed sentence.

“We are only glad if this is not in vain in the sense that at least one life is saved. That might give us some satisfaction, and maybe someday I will remember and say 'dear Azra, something remains behind you and Alma.' I thank the court and the public for their understanding,” said Aida Spahić through tears.