Businessman Zoran Ćoćo Bećirović, along with his son Luka Bećirović and Mladen Mijatović, has been found guilty of assaulting “Pobjeda” journalist Ana Raičković.

In the Basic Court of Podgorica, Zoran Bećirović received a one-year prison sentence, while Mijatović was sentenced to ten months, and Luka Bećirović received a seven-month suspended sentence.

Ljubiša Dukić was acquitted of all charges.

The detention of Zoran Bećirović and Mijatović has been extended.

The defendants’ attorney, Danilo Mićović, announced plans to appeal the verdict.

Judge Radulović stated the detention was extended due to the potential risk of reoffending by both Bećirović and Mijatović if released.

During the hearing, the judge detailed the incident that took place on November 10th.

He noted that the persistent violation of Raičković’s physical integrity warranted effective imprisonment for Bećirović and Mijatović.

Radulović considered that Ćoćo Bećirović had no prior convictions, Mijatović was a family man, and that Luka Bećirović was young and without a criminal record, highlighting that their actions targeted her vehicle rather than Raičković herself.

“The court deemed Ana Raičković’s testimony credible and corroborated by video evidence. Furthermore, her phone recordings clarified the statements made by the defendants,” said the judge.

The defense’s claim that it was merely a heated exchange and that they did not physically confront Raičković was thoroughly disproven by the footage reviewed.

“All four defendants presented a distorted view of events, selectively omitting crucial details regarding their actions,” Judge Radulović stated, emphasizing that their defenses lacked credibility.

The judge commended Dukić’s behavior for actively de-escalating the situation and protecting Rama Raičković, stating that such conduct should be the standard for all citizens of Montenegro.

The Podgorica Basic State Prosecutor’s Office charged Zoran Bećirović, his son Luka, Mladen Mijatović, and Ljubiša Dukić with violent behavior on December 4th.

The indictment reveals that on November 10, 2024, the defendants physically assaulted journalist Raičković and her companions, resulting in injuries.

Proceedings have also been initiated against the journalist’s son.

The judge noted that the prosecution has opened proceedings against Uroš Gagović, the son of journalist Uroš Gagović.

“After reviewing the footage, the court returned the case files to the prosecutor’s office for further action, seeking to determine if there are grounds for a criminal charge against Uroš Gagović,” the judge concluded.

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