Court Sentences Selimović and Božović to 65 Years for Murder

The Appeal Court of Montenegro has restructured a prior ruling, sentencing Damir Selimović and Danko Božović to a total of 65 years in prison for the murder of their relative, Dragica Selimović. This decision follows a review of the case previously adjudicated by the Higher Court in Bijelo Polje.

The court announced the verdict on April 8, 2024, after concluding the appeals process involving the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office in Bijelo Polje and the defendants’ legal representatives. The Appeal Court upheld the prosecutor’s appeal and altered the legal classification of the crime, convicting both Selimović and Božović of felony murder committed in collaboration. Damir Selimović received a 35-year sentence, while Danko Božović was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Six years ago, the defendants were involved in the murder of their cousin, Dragica Selimović, over financial disputes. During their defense, both men denied the charges, shifting blame onto each other. They claimed addiction issues, stating that they had consumed heroin prior to the crime.

The court dismissed the appeals concerning Jasar Selimović, affirming the initial ruling against him as unfounded. In the original verdict from the Higher Court in Bijelo Polje, dated April 8, 2024, Damir Selimović and Danko Božović were found guilty of robbery as accomplices, while Jasar Selimović was convicted of failing to report the crime and illegal possession of weapons and explosives.

In the previous ruling, Damir Selimović received a 20-year sentence, Danko Božović was sentenced to 18 years, and Jasar Selimović was given a 1-year and 3-month sentence. The recent adjustments by the Appeal Court highlight the seriousness of the crime and the judicial system’s response to violent acts within familial relationships.