The recent acquittal of the defendants in the “Envelope” case, despite being a first-instance ruling, marks another setback for the Montenegrin judicial system. It serves as compelling evidence for the Socialist People’s Party (SNP) advocating for urgent, comprehensive, and radical reforms in justice, as remarked today by Slađana Kaluđerović, MP and Vice President of the SNP.

Kaluđerović stated, “This ruling is yet another sign of the politicization of the prosecution and judiciary to such an extent that even solid evidence fails to prompt action against overt corruption in Montenegro. In light of this verdict, citizens are left questioning whether to trust their own observations or the statements of Slavoljub Migo Stijepović. Just as the electoral manipulation was a blow to the honorable Zeta, today’s ruling clearly highlights the pressing need for substantial reform in the judiciary, as the current landscape does not facilitate effective combat against corruption.”

She elaborated, “Even with a clear example of political corruption and the financing of DPS election campaigns from alleged illicit funds, the Special State Prosecutor’s Office, led at the time by Milivoje Katnić, managed to produce an ‘indictment’ that culminated in an initial acquittal.”

“This also sends a clear signal that any continued presence of Milivoje Katnić and Vesna Medenica in the judiciary jeopardizes Montenegro’s European integration efforts, which we cannot permit at any cost,” Kaluđerović asserted.

According to the first-instance ruling from the Higher Court in Podgorica in the “Envelope” case, businessman Duško Knežević was found not guilty of charges related to operating a criminal organization and money laundering.

Former Podgorica mayor Slavoljub Stijepović (DPS), along with Branislav Todorović, Živko Šljivančanin, Tamara Krdžić, Goran Grujović, and Tomica Knežević, were also acquitted of their respective charges.

The ruling was delivered by Judge Nenad Vujanović, who announced the verdict today at 11 a.m.

In explaining the verdict, Judge Vujanović noted the absence of evidence within these proceedings to substantiate the allegations of forming a criminal organization and laundering money, emphasizing that there was no proof that the funds in question were derived from criminal activities.

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