The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade has initiated an indictment against three officials from the Elderly Home in Barajevo for the fatalities from a fire that occurred at the end of January.

On Tuesday, July 15, the prosecutor’s office revealed that the three individuals are suspected of neglecting to install necessary fire safety measures, stating they “failed to comply with regulations and technical guidelines on safety measures as prescribed by law,” leading to the fire.

The indictment presented to the Higher Court in Belgrade seeks confirmation and includes the director of the “Ivanović” Home for the Elderly and Adults, Gorica I., along with Aleksandar I. and Miloš I., who were said to have been “effectively tasked with all responsibilities belonging to the director and accountable person”.

The defendants face charges for Serious Offenses Against Public Safety in collaboration.

“There are reasonable grounds to suspect that the defendants did not adhere to the regulations set by the Law on Protection from Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, which prohibits smoking within social welfare institution premises,” the Prosecutor’s Office stated.

The prosecution further indicates that on January 20, when the fire occurred, the sole occupant of the building besides the residents was the defendant Miloš I.

“Who lacks qualifications as a professional worker, professional associate, or caregiver, and is not equipped to execute fire safety measures,” they remarked.

They elaborated that the fire began when “a hot object—a cigarette ember or an open flame from a lighter—touched a flammable substance” in a resident’s room, causing the fire to spread throughout the facility.

It was also noted that there were no fire-fighting equipment or trained personnel available for implementing fire safety measures.

The prosecution has requested the court to extend the detention of all three defendants “to prevent a repetition of similar criminal acts in the near future.”

Arrests were also made at Serbia’s Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs.

On February 14, four employees of the Ministry were detained on suspicions of facilitating the operation of the “Ivanović” Elderly Home, even though it did not comply with legal standards.

An investigation is currently ongoing against them by the Special Department for Combating Corruption of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade.

They are facing charges of Abuse of Official Capacity in Collaboration, as well as Negligence in Service.

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