UPDATE: In a dramatic court session, former police officer Nikola Janičić has publicly denied any requests to exclude individuals from criminal charges, a claim that could significantly impact ongoing investigations into organized crime in Montenegro. The testimony unfolded at the High Court in Podgorica today, as Janičić faced intense questioning regarding allegations involving prominent figures.
During a marathon three-hour testimony, Janičić firmly stated, “I was never asked by Zoran Lazović to exclude anyone from prosecution, especially not Duško Roganović.” His statements come in the context of charges against former Special Prosecutor Milivoje Katnić, high-ranking police officer Lazović, and suspended prosecutor Saša Čađenović, who are accused of forming a criminal organization.
This testimony is crucial as it challenges the narrative that Lazović, now retired, engaged in activities to protect members of the notorious Kavač crime group. Authorities allege that Lazović directed prosecutors to exclude Roganović from criminal investigations, a claim Janičić vehemently disputes.
The implications of these developments are profound. Special Prosecutor Miloš Šoškić has accused Lazović of orchestrating a network that included Katnić and Čađenović, who allegedly facilitated criminal activities linked to the Kavač clan. Janičić’s testimony could potentially alter the trajectory of this high-profile case, which has drawn significant public attention.
Additionally, Janičić discussed the investigation into the murder of Nikola Stanišić, revealing that it was initially treated as a missing person case until evidence emerged from the encrypted Sky application, which pointed to foul play. “We had no proof of his murder until then,” Janičić explained, highlighting the complexity of these investigations.
The court session was originally scheduled to hear from prosecutors Sanja Jovićević and Mira Samardžić, but their testimonies were postponed due to the lengthy questioning of Janičić, indicating the depth of the issues at hand.
As the case unfolds, the credibility of law enforcement and the legal system in Montenegro is under intense scrutiny. The next hearing is set for December 22, 2023, where further developments are expected.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation continues to evolve.
