The Higher Court of Podgorica announced on January 5, 2024, that it has lifted the detention for defendants Petar Lazovic, Nikša Perovic, and Radovan Pantovic. According to Ivana Vukmirovic, a public relations advisor for the court, the decision was made because a ruling had not been issued within three years of the indictment by the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT).
Despite the lifting of detention in this particular case, the SDT has proposed that these individuals be detained in connection with other ongoing cases before the court. Vukmirovic’s statement indicated that the court will consider the SDT’s request.
In response to the SDT’s proposal, the criminal council of the Higher Court held a hearing for Lazovic, Perovic, and Pantovic. Following this, the court determined that their detention should be reinstated based on the criteria outlined in Article 175, points 1, 3, and 4 of the Criminal Procedure Code. This means that their detention will continue until a further decision is made by the court.
The defendants have the right to appeal this ruling within three days of receiving the decision. Appeals can be submitted to the Appellate Court of Montenegro, which will review the case as per established legal protocols.
The developments in this case highlight ongoing legal proceedings in Montenegro, reflecting the complexities involved in criminal justice matters within the country. The implications for Lazovic, Perovic, and Pantovic remain significant, as their legal situations evolve with the court’s decisions.
