Prosecutor Pašić read the same indictment, Avdibegović stated it is evident that there is no criminal offense for which Hodžić was convicted

(Patria) - The retrial of Fikret Hodžić and the business entity Srebrena malina began with the reading of the indictment and opening statements before the Appellate Chamber of the Court of BiH.

Prosecutor Džermin Pašić read the allegations from the indictment that are being charged against Hodžić.

His attorney Mirna Avdibegović stated after the hearing that the prosecutor read the same indictment under which the first-instance and second-instance verdicts were rendered.

"Regarding the association for the commission of criminal offenses, all have been finally acquitted. It is not clear to me why the prosecutor read this again today, but that is his discretionary decision. The prosecutor repeated how things looked in January 2021. We returned to that period. I presented facts that speak contrary to the accusation, but I particularly emphasized that it is excellent that the prosecutor read this today, because from today's presentation we see that Fikret Hodžić was never charged with abuse of office or authority, nor are there elements of this criminal offense in the entire criminal description as contained in the confirmed indictment. The persons with whom he was charged with associating have been finally acquitted of that criminal offense. The association requires at least three persons. Perhaps the indictment should have been revised, but that is certainly a prosecutorial discretionary decision," said Avdibegović.

When asked what verdict could be in this case, Avdibegović said she does not want to prejudge the verdict.

"The Chamber will decide in accordance with legal regulations, and that is the only thing we asked for. In accordance with the Criminal Code and the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code, to decide and render a fair decision," said Avdibegović.

The continuation of the trial is scheduled for February 11.