Trial of Mektić, defense's closing arguments today

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The trial of the former security minister of our country, Dragan Mektić, and other defendants for abuse of position during the implementation of a cross-border cooperation project in the field of firefighting will continue today in the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the defense presenting its closing arguments.

In addition to Mektić, the defendants are Igor Golijanin, Samir Agić, and Edin Garaplija.

The project related to the procurement of firefighting equipment, hiring of personnel, as well as procurement procedures from interested parties and close relatives, thereby obtaining illegal property benefits.

Mektić is accused of abusing his position as Minister of Security, Golijanin in his capacity as Head of the Cabinet of the Minister of Security, Agić as Assistant Minister, while Garaplija is accused as the responsible person and owner of the Institute for Fire and Explosion Protection "Inza" from Sarajevo.

Mektić, Golijanin, and Garaplija are accused of the criminal offense of high corruption that damages the international reputation of BiH, and that they committed the criminal offenses of abuse of position or authority and aiding and abetting the commission of criminal offenses in complicity.

The indictment also charges them with gross violations of the Law on Public Procurement, the Law on Conflict of Interest in BiH Institutions, and the Law on Ministries and Other Administrative Bodies in BiH.

They are also accused of violating the Law on Civil Service in BiH Institutions and internal regulations of the Ministry of Security during the project implementation, specifically the procurement of equipment for firefighting capacities, hiring of natural and legal persons, as well as procurement procedures from interested parties and close relatives, thereby obtaining illegal property benefits.

At the hearing held on February 17, the BiH Prosecutor's Office, in its closing arguments, requested the Court of BiH to find Mektić and the others guilty and impose a conviction.

The Prosecutor's Office believes that it has proven that the defendants committed the criminal offenses they are charged with, and that there are no mitigating circumstances.

The trial is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM.