Prosecutor's Office in Bijeljina files criminal charges against individuals who disrupted public order and damaged property

(Patria) - The District Public Prosecutor's Office in Bijeljina has issued an order to conduct an investigation against the Mayor of Bijeljina, Ljubiša Petrović, for abuse of official position in connection with the allocation of "extraordinary scholarships" in the amount of over 500,000 KM.

The District Public Prosecutor's Office in Bijeljina announced that criminal charges will be filed against individuals who today, in front of the Prosecutor's Office building, obstructed the work of prosecutors, disrupted public order and peace by chanting offensive messages, and damaged the property of this judicial institution through the use of force.

The statement specifies that an order to conduct an investigation has been issued against the suspect LJ.P. due to reasonable suspicion that he committed the criminal offense of abuse of official position or authority in a prolonged manner, by acting contrary to the Rulebook and Decision on Scholarships for Pupils and Students after implementing the procedure for awarding scholarships for the academic years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024.

"By making decisions on the allocation of extraordinary scholarships totaling over 500,000 KM, he created additional obligations for the budget of the City of Bijeljina," the statement reads.

The District Public Prosecutor's Office in Bijeljina adds that the suspect also acted contrary to the provisions of the Budget System Law of Republika Srpska, under which he was obliged to use the funds allocated in the budget guided by the principles of rationality and economy.

"Such conduct and disposal of budget funds have also resulted in consequences for citizens who receive salaries from the city budget, as due to a lack of funds and over-indebtedness, contributions for pension and health insurance are not being paid for them," the statement reads.

This Prosecutor's Office has received two reports against the suspect regarding the criminal offense of abuse of official position or authority, and three reports on undertaken measures and actions, all in connection with the aforementioned criminal offense.

"The Prosecutor's Office will submit a proposal to the District Court in Bijeljina for imposing prohibition measures on the suspect, believing that they will ensure the unhindered continuation of the investigation," the statement reads.