Bratić heard in the Higher Court; Danilović: What Vesna did was for a medal, not for prison

Former Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Vesna Bratić was heard tonight at the Higher Court in Podgorica.

This was stated by her legal representative, attorney Mitar Šušić, as reported by the RTCG portal.

"A hearing was held before the investigating judge. Vesna Bratić presented her view of the grounds for detention that were placed on her. She believes that there is absolutely no risk of escape, since her life is in Montenegro, where she is a full-time university professor. The prosecution has proposed detention for Vesna Bratić due to fear of escape, and the court will decide in the next few hours. The prosecutor's explanation regarding the existence of a risk of influencing witnesses and destroying evidence is, in her opinion, unfounded, because she has not been a minister for four years and does not have any subordination relationship with the witnesses whom she could allegedly influence. Also, previous proceedings were conducted regarding these controversial appointments. In any case, Bratić was able to be in contact with these witnesses, if she wanted to influence, she would have done so by now," said Šušić in front of the Higher Court, where a rally in support of Bratić was held.

Šušić said that he believes that the court will decide that Vesna Bratić will defend herself from freedom in the further proceedings.

Bratić was remanded in custody for up to 30 days this evening. The decision was made by investigative judge of the Higher Court in Podgorica, Suzana Mugoša.

Bratić was remanded in custody due to the risk of flight and influencing witnesses.

"The investigating judge, after questioning the suspect, ordered her to be detained for up to 30 days due to the risk of flight (Art. 448, paragraph 1, item 1) and influencing witnesses (448, paragraph 1, item 3). The suspect is charged with the continued criminal offense of abuse of official position. An appeal against the aforementioned decision is allowed to the criminal council of this court within 24 hours from the time of receipt of the decision," the High Court's public relations advisor, Ivana Vukmirović, told Vijesti.

Goran Danilović, president of United Montenegro, the party in which Bratić is the president of the Political Council, said at a support rally that what Vesna Bratić did deserves a medal, not prison.

"We are friends of Vesna. If someone had told me that we would experience this, I would have said it was impossible. She is a brave woman who did not hesitate to say everything she thought. We will not allow, be sure, that you prove yourself to her in this way. Do not think that we will move for one to anyone. What did Vesna Bratić do? What Vesna did then was for a medal, not for prison. Together until the end. How long will the mafia rule? For the first time, we are quite enough. She is collateral damage. Vesna Bratić is not Vesna Medenica," said Danilović, reported the RTCG portal.

Momo Joksimović from the Party of Pensioners, Disabled and Restitution pointed out that no one is threatened by Vesna Bratić's work.

"No one is threatened by Vesna Bratić's work. Crime is not being touched. Professors are no one's pawns. We are defending women, experts. It is sad that Suzana Mugoša is interrogating. Enough," said Joksimović.

Jelena Milošević, a New Serbian Democracy (NSD) councilor in the Capital City Assembly, said that the judiciary is targeting the wrong target for the umpteenth time.

"Vesna is guilty, because she had the courage to carry out a purge. Children are taught from a young age what party dictatorship is. Vesna, you are not alone tonight. Your courage is something special," Milošević said.

United Montenegro previously announced the holding of a support rally.

The president of Free Montenegro, Vladislav Dajković, was also at the meeting.

Also present was Aleksandar Stijović, who was the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management in the 42nd Government of Montenegro, headed by Zdravko Krivokapić, and in which Bratić was a minister.

Bratić was arrested yesterday in an investigation by the Special State Prosecutor's Office (SDT) for damage of at least 400.000 euros caused by the dismissal of more than 140 kindergarten, elementary and secondary school directors.

Bratić held the position of minister for just over a year - from the first post-DPS government elected on December 4, 2020, to February 4, 2022, when she was voted out of office.

In the first half of her term, she dismissed almost all school principals in Montenegro.

While the opposition accused her of political revenge, Bratić justified her dismissals in education by depoliticizing the education system, claiming that some of the dismissed directors had abused educational institutions for political purposes.

Yesterday, after a hearing at the Special State Prosecutor's Office (SDT), she was ordered to be detained, and her legal representative, attorney Mitar Šušić, told "Vijesti" that Bratić denied guilt and stated that she had dismissed directors legally.