The trial of Milo Cimbaljević from Andrijevica, accused of driving recklessly while severely intoxicated in Berane, resulting in a traffic accident that claimed the life of his passenger, Miljka Cmiljanić, has been postponed today at the Higher Court in Bijelo Polje.

Cimbaljević faces charges of “serious offense against the safety of public traffic” in this court.

The postponement was requested by his attorney, Nikola Čukić, who indicated in a motion that he had been unable to reach his client to prepare his defense.

Nevertheless, Cimbaljević showed up at the hearing and informed the court that he had revoked his power of attorney and wished to represent himself. Judge Bojana Radović then advised him that, given the nature of the criminal offense which carries a penalty of up to 12 years of imprisonment, a defense attorney is mandatory. The court president, Milan Smolović, will make a determination regarding the potential assignment of a lawyer ex officio.

According to the indictment, on March 31 of last year at approximately 6:30 PM, while driving an “Audi 2.35” with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 2 percent and a maximum of 50 percent, Cimbaljević was traveling from Andrijevica towards Berane on Milorada Jovančevića Street. He was speeding at 95.2 km/h in a zone where the limit is 50 km/h, when he veered into the opposite lane and collided with the left rear-view mirrors of a “Fiat Brava 1” that was being driven by Rajko Šćekić.

The incident caused the Fiat to swerve to the right, then to the left, ultimately colliding with the right front side of a “Škoda Octavia”, which was being driven in the opposite direction by Miroslav Đurišić. Following this, Cimbaljević’s vehicle struck a concrete wall. His passenger, Miljka Cmiljanić, sustained severe, life-threatening injuries and died the same day. The passenger in the Škoda, Anka Barjaktarović, suffered serious injuries, while Miroslav Đurišić incurred minor injuries.

The hearing has been rescheduled to April 3.

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