The Basic Court in Nikšić has delivered a first-instance verdict against two defendants for inflicting serious bodily harm on Boško Pavićević, a community activist from Nikšić.

According to the Human Rights Action (HRA), Pavićević confronted the vandals during the night of December 2-3, 2023.

“Relatives Miloš (19) and Matija Stanišić (18) have been accused of initially knocking Pavićević to the ground with blows to the head, then continuing to assault him, resulting in a broken jaw. Matija received a five-month prison sentence for his role in the abuse, while Miloš was sentenced to eight months for grievous bodily harm,” the HRA reported.

The organization further stated that prior to the attack, Pavićević had cautioned a group of teenagers against picking flowers in Freedom Square and parking vehicles in the pedestrian area.

“When they persisted with this behavior, he began recording them on his phone, which prompted the two defendants to assault him, breaking his jaw. They also knocked Duško Radojičić, who was accompanying Pavićević, to the ground with a blow to the head,” HRA added, mentioning that they provided free legal assistance to Pavićević, represented by attorney Dalibor Tomović.

“We view the first-instance verdict as a significant step toward protecting citizens who refuse to be silent in the face of vandalism, advocating for the preservation of public order, shared values, and our communal space. This verdict sends a strong message that violence and attempts to intimidate responsible and engaged individuals will not go unpunished. Judicial institutions play a crucial role in creating a safe and just society,” it was stated.

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