Closing arguments in the "Tunel" case were presented today at the Basic Court in Podgorica. The verdict is scheduled for October 3rd at 9:30 AM.
It concerns the digging of a tunnel from the basement of an apartment on the street across from the High Court to the institution's depot, which was broken into on September 8, 2023, and the thieves stole material evidence stored in that room until September 11, an investigation by the Podgorica prosecutor's office and police has determined. Investigators discovered that the underground tunnel, through which the thieves entered the court depot, had been dug since the end of July.
Basic State Prosecutor Marko Mugoša said that the investigation, although it revealed some facts, did not provide a complete picture of the events. "At the end of this process, it is obvious that we do not know the whole truth, but certain facts have been revealed. An incredible and cinematic story that is difficult to imagine in reality, and which happened in a country that strives to be developed. It is sad and devastating," Mugoša said.
The prosecutor stressed that the goal of digging the tunnel and breaking into the High Court depot was to gain illegal gain and that all the accused had certain roles, including unknown persons whose names will probably never be revealed. "Everything stated in the indictment has been proven. The audacity of those who were willing to do this in their own country is incredible. This act represents an attack on the Montenegrin judiciary," Mugoša added.
The prosecutor also pointed to obstructions in the investigation. "It is possible that the political situation led to the investigation being halted in one part and not all the facts being revealed. During the proceedings, there were even attempts to present the entire case as a farce, and the existence of the tunnel was questioned. However, it was proven that the tunnel was built by people with the appropriate knowledge," Mugoša said.
The defense is seeking acquittals.
Lawyer Stefan Jovanović said that it is not disputed that the tunnel exists, but that there is no evidence that would connect his clients to the event. "It was only during the trial that it was learned that someone had passed through the tunnel. As for Veljko Marković, there is not enough evidence to connect him to the digging of the tunnel. There are no DNA traces, no material evidence, and the witnesses are not sure if he is in the photographs. The only possible decision is an acquittal," Jovanović said.
As for Vladimir Erić, the defense pointed out that no evidence points to his guilt. "He entered and exited Montenegro, but the fact that he was not registered should be explained by the authorities. The indictment misrepresents him, and the facts show the opposite. What happened is the greatest shame of the security sector, but innocent people must not suffer. Part of the then government with the police leadership was on the spot, which should not have happened," said Jovanović.
Milan Marković's defense attorney assessed that the indictment does not contain any evidence that would incriminate his client, while Vladimir Erić's attorney confirmed that no material evidence was presented against her client.
Personal addresses of the accused
Predrag Mirotic stated that he was not guilty and that the proceedings were under political pressure from then-Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic and Minister Filip Adzic. "I believe in the Montenegrin judiciary and this honorable court. I continued to live with my four children and founded companies in London and America," said Mirotic.
Katarina Baćović's lawyer stated that the prosecution had not proven her role in digging the tunnel or in forging documents. Nikola Milačić's defense attorney pointed out that the indictment against him was based solely on Baćović's statements, without any other evidence. Marijan Vuljaj's defense attorney stated that there was no evidence to prove his guilt.
The defense also challenged the behavior of then-Prime Minister Abazović. Attorney Nikola Ivanović emphasized that it was "unfortunate that the Prime Minister came to the scene and left traces while the investigation was ongoing," and recalled that honorable individuals in the police force worked under political pressure.
Indictment
According to the indictment, Veljko Marković, Milan Marković, Dejan Jovanović, Vladimir Erić, Predrag Mirotić and Nikola Milačić are charged with the criminal offense of criminal association in conjunction with aggravated theft in co-perpetration. Katarina Baćović is charged with criminal association in conjunction with aggravated theft and forgery of a document, while Marijan Vuljaj is charged with assisting the perpetrator after the criminal offense has been committed.
The court will pronounce its verdict in this case on October 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Bonus video:
