URGENT UPDATE: The Ustavni sud Crne Gore has failed to reach a decision on three detention appeals from accused Danilo Mandic during a session held today. The court was unable to secure a majority vote among its judges, leading to a significant delay in the resolution of these crucial appeals.
During the deliberations, three judges expressed that the court holds the authority to evaluate the level of reasonable suspicion concerning the arbitrary nature of the presented justifications. They argued that it is essential to assess the relevance of certain evidence indicating the existence or non-existence of such suspicion.
Conversely, two judges maintained their consistent stance that the assessment of the volume of facts supporting the reasonable suspicion is exclusively within the jurisdiction of regular courts. They emphasized that unless the justification is devoid of any argument, it’s not the role of the Ustavni sud to evaluate its adequacy.
The court’s current review pertains to detention extension decisions made in July, August, and September this year. Due to the failure to achieve majority consensus today, the court will await the appointment of missing judges for a subsequent vote.
This development is critical not only for Mandic but also for the judicial landscape in Montenegro as it raises questions about the effectiveness and responsiveness of the constitutional court in urgent matters. The implications of this delay could resonate beyond the courtroom, affecting public perception and trust in the legal system.
As the situation unfolds, observers are urged to stay tuned for updates regarding the appointment of the new judges and the forthcoming vote on Mandic’s appeals. The outcome remains pivotal for justice in Montenegro.
