The Police Directorate provided “Vijesti” with responses to critical questions regarding the incident in Žabljak, which has led to a criminal complaint filed with the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Pljevlja on or before February 12 against police officer S.Š. (32) for the alleged abuse of the now-deceased local resident, BK.

An investigation into this matter was initiated on Friday, February 7 of this year, after an emergency room doctor alerted the police about discovering a bruise on BK’s face, a Žabljak resident. That same day, BK shared a photo on his Facebook profile showcasing the visible redness on his face, accompanied by a statement claiming that the injuries were allegedly inflicted by police officer S.Š.

“Upon receiving the report from the HMP doctor, the police officers proceeded to the home of the individual involved. He informed them that police officer S.Š. had struck him the previous evening on his way from his residence to the police station, hitting him twice on the left side of his face with an open fist,” the Police Directorate detailed in their response to “Vijesti.”

It is believed that the following day, BK tragically took his own life in the yard of his family home on Saturday, February 8.

The Police Directorate provided a chronological account of events from February 6 to 8 concerning this sensitive case, indicating that the now-deceased BK had reported to the duty service of the Žabljak Security Department on Thursday at approximately 5:30 PM regarding threats from an unknown male caller. He described feeling anxious due to the caller’s claim that they would come to his residence to confront him.

“In response to the call, three police officers, including officer S.Š., were dispatched to the scene. After speaking with BK, they invited him to the Žabljak Security Department to gather information about the reported threats. During this time, BK requested to be transported in an official police vehicle, as he did not have a means of transport. Subsequently, all four individuals arrived at the Žabljak Security Department using an official vehicle,” the police reported.

Upon arrival, BK provided a statement indicating that he was aware of the reason behind the threats he received and, due to personal and family considerations, chose to withdraw his complaint.

Following this, as stated in the Police Directorate’s response, officers returned BK to his home.

“On February 7, 2025, the duty service of the Žabljak Security Department was alerted by the Emergency Medical Service doctor in Žabljak who had been called to BK’s residence to provide medical assistance due to a pre-existing health issue. While assisting him, the doctor noticed a hematoma but BK declined to explain how the injury occurred. Acting on the report from the doctor, police officers visited BK’s home, where he alleged that police officer S.Š. had caused his injuries the previous evening while transporting him to the police station, hitting him twice in the left side of his face,” the Police Directorate elaborated.

Immediately upon receiving this information, officers from the Žabljak Security Department informed the on-duty prosecutor at the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Pljevlja, as well as the Internal Control of Police Work Department.

“Following several actions taken by the police, and upon the prosecutor’s instructions, the incident was classified as a criminal offense of abuse. Consequently, criminal charges were filed against police officer S.Š., based on reasonable suspicion of committing the aforementioned offense. The charges have been submitted, and this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the prosecutor’s office in Pljevlja. Police officers are continuing their efforts to uncover all circumstances and facts surrounding the injuries sustained by BK,” the Police Directorate noted. Furthermore, they mentioned that the Žabljak Military Police Duty Service received a request for police assistance at BK’s family residence on February 8 at 2:25 PM.

“A patrol was dispatched to the location, where they discovered BK’s lifeless body near his family home. The Emergency Medical Service in Žabljak was promptly notified and confirmed the death. The on-duty prosecutor from the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office in Bijelo Polje was also informed immediately, arriving at the scene to conduct an investigation along with police officers. Following the examination, the deceased’s body was sent to the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Clinical Center for autopsy, which concluded that the death resulted from suicide by hanging,” the Police Directorate’s response stated.

The Police Directorate confirmed that the Internal Control of Police Work Department within the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been informed and is actively pursuing the case.

Additionally, the immediate supervisor of S.Š. is taking necessary actions and procedures regarding the officer, in accordance with the Law on Internal Affairs.

“Should criminal proceedings be initiated against this officer, he will be temporarily suspended from duty as governed by the Law on Internal Affairs,” the Police Directorate concluded.

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