Prosecution to appeal verdict handed down to Belgrade school shooter's parents

Photo: VJT

The chief public prosecutor of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office (VTJ) in Belgrade, Nenad Stefanovic, is satisfied with the verdict that was handed down today to the parents of the child who shot and killed nine students and a guard at the Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school in Belgrade on May 3, 2023, and wounded five more children and a teacher.

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Stefanovic noted that this verdict cannot repair the tragic consequences of the crime.

"We have proven the guilt of the parents and that their gross neglect of the child and improper handling of weapons is the cause of this unprecedented tragedy. I am particularly pleased that the court sentenced both Vladimir and Miljana Kecmanovic to the maximum sentence for the criminal offense of neglecting and abusing a minor," Stefanovic stressed.

However, he believes that only maximum sentences for the other criminal acts of which they were accused would be adequate, bearing in mind the seriousness of the consequences.

Therefore, regarding the part of the verdict that acquits Miljana Kecmanovic, as well as the prison time imposed on Vladimir Kecmanovic and Nemanja Marinkovic, the VJT in Belgrade will file an appeal with the Appellate Court in Belgrade, after receiving the verdict in writing.

Stefanovic stressed that this case, in addition to all its specific characteristics, is also an indicator of the danger of child neglect, especially these days when youths are exposed to negative influences on the internet.

"The Ribnikar case is a reminder to the whole society that parents must pay more attention to their children, educate and guide them, but also talk to the children about their problems, so that this kind of tragedy never happens again," concluded the prosecutor.

Vladimir Kecmanovic has been sentenced to 14 years and 5 months in prison, Miljana Kecmanovic to 3 years, and Marinkovic, a shooting instructor, to 15 months for making false testimony.

(Telegraf.rs)