Trial of Novalić, Solak, Hodžić and Milićević in the 'Respirators' case

(Patria) - Today at the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the trial begins in the case of “Fadil Novalić and others” concerning the procurement of 100 ventilators, worth 10,530,000 BAM, which was imported from China for the needs of the Federal Civil Protection Administration by the company “Srebrena malina”, owned by Fikret Hodžić.

In addition to Novalić, the Minister of Finance of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Jelka Milićević, the suspended director of the Federal Civil Protection Administration Fahrudin Solak, and the owner of the company “Srebrena malina” Fikret Hodžić are also charged in connection with the disputed procurement of ventilators for the needs of the Federation of BiH.

The hearing is scheduled for 10:30 AM, as announced on the website of the Court of BiH.

Novalić, Milićević, Solak and Hodžić, at the hearing held on January 29, pleaded not guilty to the procurement of 100 ventilators worth 10,530,000 BAM and protective equipment worth 2,900,000 BAM for the needs of the fight against the coronavirus.

Novalić, Solak and Hodžić are charged with associating for the purpose of committing criminal acts related to abuse of office or authority, and receiving a reward or other form of benefit for influence peddling.

They are also charged with money laundering, forgery or destruction of business or commercial books or documents, forgery of official documents, and violation of the obligation to keep commercial or business books and prepare financial reports and their forgery or destruction.

Milićević is charged with negligent work in service.