UPDATE: In a shocking revelation today, former head of the Department for the Suppression of Serious Crimes, Milorad Žižić, testified in the High Court of Podgorica that serious criminal proceedings have been initiated against members of the notorious Kavač Clan. This urgent announcement highlights ongoing legal battles involving high-profile figures in Montenegro’s criminal justice system.
During his testimony, Žižić confirmed that former special prosecutor, Saša Čađenović, did not request the exclusion of any individuals from these critical investigations. This detail emerges amid a broader inquiry involving former senior police official Zoran Lazović, former chief special prosecutor Milivoje Katnić, and suspended prosecutor Čađenović, all of whom face serious allegations of corruption.
The proceedings are set against the backdrop of escalating tensions between criminal factions, specifically the Kavač and Škaljari clans. Žižić stated that special prosecutors had been actively recommending witnesses for cooperation agreements, illustrating the extensive network of informants involved in these cases.
“I believe there were three cooperating witnesses linked to the Kavač clan,” Žižić noted, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Key developments include the mention of Milan Kankaraš, a critical witness who provided testimony leading to the prosecution of several individuals associated with the Škaljari clan. The first case, codenamed “Barbi,” was initiated on March 25, 2020, resulting in charges against figures such as Krsto Vujić and Jovo Riznić.
Žižić underscored the initial focus on the Škaljari clan due to the substantial evidence available at the time, while information against Kavač clan members was still being meticulously gathered. “We had a priority to prosecute Dusko Roganović, a known member of the Kavač group,” he stated, dispelling any claims of negligence on behalf of the prosecutors.
In a striking revelation, Žižić recounted instances of threats made by Jovan Žmukić, another Kavač member, against Kankaraš’s family, which prompted swift action from the prosecution team. “We had no instructions from Čađenović not to gather evidence against him,” he insisted.
As the courtroom proceedings continue, a significant question remains: How will these testimonies impact the ongoing fight against organized crime in Montenegro? The trial resumes on March 5, 2024, and the nation watches closely to see if justice will prevail against entrenched criminal networks.
The implications of these cases extend beyond individual accountability, as they threaten to expose a web of corruption that may involve key figures within Montenegro’s law enforcement and judiciary. As these proceedings unfold, the urgency for transparency and justice in the region intensifies.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story progresses.
