During the first two months of this year, the Basic Court in Bijelo Polje processed 760 cases, showing a notable increase in criminal investigations with 104 new cases, compared to a total of 400 cases for the entirety of last year.

In the same timeframe, there were seven cases related to domestic violence or violence within a family unit, and indictments were issued for these offenses.

This information was shared in a meeting at the Basic Court in Bijelo Polje, where court officials discussed their performance over the past year and addressed current challenges while establishing better cooperation with the media.

Present at the meeting were the court president Gorica Đalović, judge spokesperson Aida Destanović, and media relations advisor Suada Begović.

Đalović noted that at the start of last year, there were 1,851 unresolved cases carried over from previous years, including 1,144 civil cases and 172 criminal cases.

“In 2024, we received a total of 4,755 new cases, resulting in a cumulative 6,606 pending cases. By the end of the year, 4,279 were resolved, leaving 2,320 unresolved. The resolution rate for ongoing cases stands at 64.84%, while the rate for resolved cases compared to those incoming in 2024 is 89.99%,” said Đalović. She highlighted the impressive quality of work, noting that out of 344 resolved appeals, 263 were upheld (76.45%), 13 modified (3.78%), and 50 revoked (14.53%), with 18 (5.23%) partially upheld regarding the revoked cases.

She further explained that at the end of 2024, there were 102 unresolved cases, categorized as “red envelopes”—cases older than three years.

“For 2024, there were 45 pending criminal cases for domestic violence or family violence. Out of these, 28 were finalized, six are under appeal, and nine remain unresolved. Of the resolved cases, 25 resulted in prison sentences, seven were suspended sentences, one involved a correctional measure, two cases mandated psychiatric treatment while at liberty, and one resulted in acquittal,” said Đalović.

Given the court’s capacity utilization hovering around two-thirds to even half at times, Đalović believes they have achieved impressive efficiency and outcomes, especially considering they are short-staffed in both advisory and civil service positions.

This year and last, the Basic Court in Bijelo Polje reported no cases involving LGBTQ individuals, either as plaintiffs or defendants, or in terms of guilt where they could have been the injured party.

Upcoming Renovation of the Basic Court’s Courtroom

After the recent renovations to the large and small halls in the High Court building, which also accommodates the Basic Court, plans are underway to renovate the courtroom on the ground floor this year.

“A project for the adaptation of the Basic Court courtroom has been prepared, pending the approval of funds by the Judicial Council,” stated spokesperson Aida Destanović. She also mentioned that the building has recently been equipped with an elevator and a platform to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, although this feature is currently non-operational.

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