The Higher Court in Belgrade has determined that the parents of the children who lost their lives in the mass shooting at “Vladislav Ribnikar” school will receive compensation for non-pecuniary damages due to the emotional suffering resulting from their losses.

According to the court’s website, the minor responsible for the tragic incident on May 3, 2023, along with his parents Miljana and Vladimir Kecmanović, as well as the Belgrade Elementary School “Vladislav Ribnikar,” are required to pay this compensation.

The court’s reasoning indicates that the minor KK is held accountable for the harm suffered by the plaintiffs, acknowledging his capability for judgment at the time of the incident.

The verdict further states that the parents are liable, as it was established during the case that their inadequate upbringing, poor role models, and harmful behaviors contributed to the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

The court also pointed out that the “Vladislav Ribnikar” school bears some responsibility, citing failures among staff members in the time leading up to the event on May 3.

The ruling specifies these failures as the lack of actions that were necessary according to the professional standards expected in such situations.

It was concluded that the school is liable based on its obligation as a legal entity for damages caused by its representatives.

There is an option to appeal this decision.

The minor K. K., who was thirteen at the time, tragically shot dead nine students and a security guard, injuring five additional students and a teacher, using his father’s firearm.

Vladimir Kecmanović, the boy’s father, was sentenced to 30 years in prison as of December 14, 2024.

Miljana Kecmanović, the mother, was sentenced to three years in prison.

Nemanja Marinković, an instructor at the shooting range where, according to the indictment, Vladimir Kecmanović took his son for shooting practice, received a sentence of one year and three months.

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