Father of Murdered Man Accuses Police of Negligence in Court

Veselin Marković, the father of murdered Radovan Marković, delivered a poignant testimony in the High Court in Podgorica, alleging that police negligence contributed to his son’s death. He claimed that the investigation into the April 3, 2024, murder was improperly conducted, calling into question the actions of law enforcement and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

During the court proceedings, Haris Kočan, the accused, stated he did not intend to kill Radovan Marković, asserting that the gun was discharged accidentally while he was checking if the weapon was loaded. Kočan claimed he attempted to assist Marković, a statement corroborated by Vanja Burda, who denied assisting Kočan after the shooting.

Veselin Marković expressed his frustration over the police’s handling of the situation, stating, “My son could have been saved. The police questioned the injured Radovan for 25 minutes instead of providing assistance.” He noted that medical assistance was only requested at 18:48, despite the incident being reported at 18:14. The emergency team arrived at 18:56 and concluded their intervention by 19:06, yet Marković succumbed to his injuries.

He criticized the leadership of the police force, specifically naming director Lazar Šćepanović and senior officer Goran Jokic, expressing dissatisfaction with their response to his claims regarding the involvement of another individual, Damir Husović. Marković emphasized that all relevant parties had been informed of Husović’s potential role but failed to act.

Marković also expressed outrage at Šćepanović’s public comments labeling his son as a member of an organized crime group. “That is an insult to me and my family,” he stated, highlighting the emotional toll of such allegations.

The family’s legal representative, attorney Srđan Lješković, raised crucial questions in court about the police’s actions. “Why was Radovan Marković interrogated for 25 minutes while he was injured instead of being saved?” he asked, casting doubt on the police procedures that day. Both Lješković and Marković dismissed claims from Šćepanović that Radovan was in an abandoned house prior to the shooting, asserting that he was with family members during a legal proceeding in Podgorica.

Veselin Marković recounted a disturbing conversation he had with his son on April 1, 2024, where Radovan mentioned being hired by Damir Husović to transport several individuals. He expressed concern that Radovan had not returned home after leaving around 16:00 that day. The family learned of Radovan’s death two days later through media reports and friends.

Marković claimed that he received information from a former police officer about the incident being reported to authorities at 18:14. He also noted that a friend recognized Husović in footage captured at the crime scene. “We went to the police to provide information, but officers told us to go home and that we would be contacted. That call never came,” he recounted.

In court, Marković detailed a meeting at the police headquarters where he and his attorney met with officers Zoran Bašović and Goran Jokić. During this meeting, Jokić reportedly told them, “There is no further inquiry on this matter; it is closed.” Marković claimed he was warned that if the accused spoke out, it could lead to the arrest of up to 20 individuals connected to the case.

The Marković family, along with their legal team, insists on a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Radovan’s murder and the accountability of law enforcement. “We seek nothing but the truth and justice,” Veselin Marković asserted as he concluded his remarks in court.

According to the indictment, Haris Kočan is accused of firing a weapon at Radovan Marković on March 3, 2024. The prosecution alleges that Kočan discharged multiple rounds from an automatic weapon while seated in a vehicle, resulting in fatal injuries to Marković.