The trial of former Police Directorate Director Veselin Veljović and others for participation in cigarette smuggling was postponed today at the Higher Court in Podgorica, while the detention of the defendants Ilija Vasović and Arsenije Kalezić was lifted.
The president of the special chamber, Judge Vesna Kovačević, scheduled the next main hearing for February 3rd.
Veljović said he was unable to attend the main trial because he had surgery abroad and was not feeling well. He added that doctors had recommended he rest for another month, but that he had decided to leave the hospital on his own.
The Council accepted the defense proposals of attorneys Nikola Strugar and Nebojša Asanović and terminated the detention of Ilija Vasović and Arsenije Kalezić.
Veljović thanked the panel and judge Vesna Kovačević.
"I thank you personally and your council for allowing me to receive treatment abroad. This situation has confirmed that there was no danger of flight and that when it comes to me, there never will be," Veljović said in his address to the court.
The former director of the Police Directorate has been charged with creating a criminal organization and abuse of office. He is accused of being a member of a criminal group formed by Aleksandar Mrkić.
The case has been merged with the indictment filed against the former head of the criminal police in Bar, Ilija Vasović, who is accused of being part of Aleksandar Mrkić's criminal organization to which he disclosed official information.
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