Accused Milošević Demands Witness Pista Publicly Testify

Mario Milošević, one of the accused in a high-profile criminal case, has publicly opposed a proposal from the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) to exclude the public from a court hearing where key witness Bajram Pista is expected to testify. Milošević characterized Pista as a “sick liar” and emphasized the importance of his appearance in court so that everyone can see his true character.

During proceedings at the High Court in Podgorica, Milošević stated, “It is crucial for him to come so that you can see what kind of clown he is. It would be significant for him to appear in court, unless the court has already decided how to rule on that.” His remarks were echoed by co-accused Goran Rakočević, who expressed a desire for the public to understand the nature of the individual involved.

This courtroom drama unfolds over two and a half years after the defendants were charged in connection with the murder of Miodrag Kruščić and the wounding of journalist Olivera Lakić in May 2018. Recently, they received a decision that invalidated Pista’s testimony from August 20, 2021, along with three accompanying CDs, as legally inadmissible evidence. The High Court ruled on July 31, 2023, that the procedures during Pista’s hearing were not properly followed, as the SDT failed to notify the defendants’ chosen counsel and the injured party’s representative.

Legal Proceedings and Witness Status
Milošević’s defense raised concerns regarding Pista’s status as a proposed protected witness, arguing that the SDT’s request did not meet legal criteria. Rakočević’s lawyer, Marko Radović, indicated that the request lacked sufficient legal justification. He stated, “We believe that the Prosecutor’s request does not contain legal grounds and is insufficiently explained. We would not oppose granting him that status, as it would call into question the evidentiary value of his testimony.”

Radović further criticized the SDT’s proposal to hold a closed hearing, arguing that there were no compelling reasons to justify such a move. He pointed out that Pista, who is expected to testify in this case, has previously provided conflicting statements in another case, complicating the reliability of his testimony.

In today’s session, several witnesses were also heard. Among them, Predrag Nikolić spoke about the firearm used in the murder of Kruščić, explaining that he had sold the weapon to Marko Filimonović for €2,000. Nikolić described how he had received the gun as a gift from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Ongoing Legal Challenges
The case against Milošević and his co-defendants includes serious charges such as the creation of a criminal organization, aggravated murder, and illegal possession of firearms. This group is implicated in the attack on Lakić as well as the trafficking of 554 kilograms of marijuana from Albania to Montenegro on January 26, 2021.

As the court proceedings continue, the next hearing is scheduled for January 26, 2024. The outcome of these hearings will be closely watched, particularly with regard to the implications of Pista’s testimony and the validity of the evidence presented. The defendants are navigating a complex legal landscape that includes past procedural missteps and the potential impact of witness credibility on their cases.