Attorney Andrea Adžić, representing a woman who endured domestic violence, responded to “Vijesti” concerning the release of suspect FF from custody.

“As the legal representative of a woman who has faced years of violence from her husband, I feel compelled to highlight the grave situation affecting her and her family. This woman experienced both physical and psychological violence for years, including during her pregnancy and after childbirth. She repeatedly reported the abuser to the relevant authorities, but their responses were alarmingly slow and inadequate,” Adžić remarked.

She mentioned that only once was a token punishment enforced, which, according to her, was inadequate to deter the abuser from continuing his violence.

Adžić explained that the victim “often retracted her reports due to pervasive fear, and the abuser took advantage of this to further isolate her from her family, forbidding contact and issuing threats to her and her loved ones.”

“This family has endured numerous incidents involving threats and even physical assaults on their father by the abuser. Unfortunately, most of their reports ended up ‘in a drawer,’ reflecting severe institutional failures,” the response states.

“Only at the end of December 2024, after a long struggle to find the courage to approach the police, was my client able to file a criminal complaint, which remains unresolved with the prosecutor’s office. Despite the clear evidence and urgency, there has been a lack of action from part of the prosecution. Particularly concerning is the inaction from prosecutor Ivanović, who, despite the case being assigned to him, has taken no measures for over a month. Although I, as the attorney, reached out to the head of the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office, I received no response until the day the perpetrator was detained, which I believe was prompted merely by the arrest based on the report from the injured party’s mother,” Adžić noted.

She acknowledged prosecutor Romina Vlahović for her professionalism and empathy for the victim’s situation throughout the proceedings.

“Her support is invaluable at this time, as the family, and particularly the victim, needs reassurance that institutions can be allies. However, after the 72-hour detention period lapsed, the perpetrator was released under a restraining order, which fails to ensure the safety of the victim and her family,” she added.

Adžić emphasized that relevant institutions must act swiftly and effectively in domestic violence cases.

“Regrettably, the slow progress of this case and the lack of proper safeguards reveal systemic failures. The delay in actions from prosecutor Ivanović and the disregard for urgent issues communicate a dangerous message to victims that they are not prioritized, while perpetrators remain a threat. My client has bravely spoken out about the violence, yet she remains trapped in a cycle of obstacles. This issue extends beyond her; it is a societal problem. I urge the appropriate institutions to take all necessary legal steps immediately to secure the victim’s and her family’s safety. I especially call for the efficient and responsible actions of the prosecution, as every day without response further endangers the victims,” she asserted.

“I also want to highlight that the efforts of prosecutor Romina Vlahović inspire hope that there are individuals within the system willing to assist, but this must become standard practice, not an exception. Both the public and institutions must convey a clear message that violence will not be justified or tolerated in our society,” concluded Adžić.

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