Today, the family and friends of the late Ljubiša Mrdak gathered in front of the Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica to protest the acquittal of the suspects involved in his murder and the post office robbery that took place on October 20, 2021, in Nikšić.

The demonstration commenced with a moment of silence.

Momo Joksimović addressed the crowd, expressing that failing institutions are causing Ljubiša’s death to be felt all over again…

“He was a man full of love, someone who cherished life and happiness. He embodied chivalry and possessed qualities that are rare among people. Ljubiša was not an ordinary individual, but a symbol of Vranje and Montenegrin heritage. It is disgraceful for the state that he lost his life this way, and the judiciary is sentencing him again with a disgraceful verdict. They have become the executioners of justice, in a shameful prosecutor’s office where diplomas are traded like goods in a market,” Joksimović declared.

He asserted that the judicial system is fraught with issues, that the new government has inherited disorder, yet no changes are being made…

Joksimović insisted that accountability should rest with the prosecution, as the court claimed the indictment was invalid.

“We reject any explanations from corrupt institutions, which are funded by taxpayers. Why weren’t the perpetrators apprehended after being released from custody? They have escaped to who knows where…” Joksimović continued.

He announced plans to hold a memorial service outside the Court of Appeals.

The brother of one of the victims, Alija Balijagić, also participated in the protest.

Božidar Đilas questioned how it was possible that in just three and a half years, four prosecutors had been replaced.

“No one should claim that there were obstacles during the trial. The murderers will face a court that does not accept bribery and corruption, a court of God,” Đilas stated.

Borivoje Orović vowed not to let Ljubiša’s legacy fade…

“A soldier dies twice; once for higher ideals and again if their homeland forgets them, but we will not allow that. Our society lacks accountability, and only when we achieve that will it respond. How can criminals be released with such compelling evidence presented to authorities?” Orović lamented.

He called for a commission to be established to determine who was accountable within the prosecutorial organization that supported such an indictment.

He framed this as a rebellion against injustice and proposed that both legislative and executive branches undergo rigorous scrutiny.

“We request a thorough investigation into whether the staff at the Nikšić post office took all necessary precautions for the safe transportation of funds. We demand a new draft law on security,” Orović added.

He also urged the president to honor Mrdak for his dignified performance of official duties.

Zdravko Nišavić, president of the St. Michael’s Choir, stated that “too many accidental errors” have taken place.

“The bare minimum of justice has not been achieved. Can anyone among the institutions assure us that this will not spur other criminals to commit similar acts? We will not relent until we achieve complete restoration of the justice system. We demand accountability and resignations and will not back down from this stance.”

Vojo Delić, the brother of Mrdak’s aunt, remarked that as a society we have succumbed.

“We are dissatisfied with our minister’s statement that this case remains unresolved. Why is there no swift action? The Prime Minister’s dissatisfaction with the ministries is evident, yet he is not assisting in solving the problem. We expect him to take action,” Delić noted.

He indicated that he plans to escalate the protests and is determined to see them through to the end.

Ratko Čvorović asserted that they will gather many more times to honor Ljubiša’s memory.

“I ask the judiciary, will it continue this way? We will fight to put an end to it once and for all… Are we safe anywhere in the country? We feel the most unsafe when we encounter the judiciary,” Čvorović emphasized.

The organizers have scheduled a protest outside the High and Appellate Courts and a march to the Ministry of Justice for the following Friday.

All those charged with the murder of Ljubiša Mrdak and the robbery of the Nikšić post office were acquitted of the charges on February 25.

The initial verdict was delivered in the Higher Court in Podgorica.

“The indictment does not clarify who fired the fatal shots that killed the now deceased Ljubiša Mrdak,” Judge Veljko Radovanović stated during the acquittal of the defendants charged with the robbery of the Nikšić Post Office and the murder of Mrdak.

The Higher State Prosecutor’s Office has announced its intention to appeal this first-instance verdict to the Court of Appeal.

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