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Court orders heating plant to rehire worker fired for refusing political rallies

Court orders heating plant to rehire worker fired for refusing political rallies

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The Appellate Court in Novi Sad upheld a lower court's decision ordering the Kikinda "Toplana" (heating plant) to reinstate Bojan Sarić, a worker fired for refusing to attend political rallies.
  • The court ruled Sarić's dismissal was illegal and confirmed he was employed indefinitely, ordering the company to pay court costs.
  • Sarić expressed gratitude for the ruling, stating it shows integrity exists among judges and gives him hope for a normal country where political coercion is not tolerated.

Bojan Sarić, a worker at the Kikinda heating plant JKP "Toplana," has won his legal battle to be reinstated after being unlawfully dismissed for refusing to attend political gatherings. The Appellate Court in Novi Sad has rejected the company's appeal, upholding a lower court's decision that declared Sarić's termination illegal.

The ruling confirms that Sarić, who was employed indefinitely, was wrongfully fired in late December. The court has ordered JKP "Toplana" not only to return Sarić to his position but also to cover the legal costs associated with the proceedings. This victory comes after Sarić initiated legal action following his dismissal.

We should live in a normal country where no one is forced to go to political rallies. Thank you to the court, they have shown that judges with integrity still exist, that gives me hope.

— Bojan SarićSarić expressed his gratitude and hope following the court's decision to reinstate him.

Sarić expressed his profound relief and gratitude, telling N1 that the court's decision demonstrates the existence of judges with integrity. "We should live in a normal country where no one is forced to go to political rallies. Thank you to the court, they have shown that judges with integrity still exist, that gives me hope," he stated. He also extended thanks to his lawyer, Vukica Midorović, and his supporters.

The initial dismissal occurred because Sarić refused to attend events in Pionirski park, which he believed constituted political coercion. The Basic Court in Kikinda had previously ruled in April to have him reinstated, but "Toplana" appealed the decision. During the legal process, Sarić reported receiving threats and insults from an unknown number, adding another layer of distress to his situation.

Thank you to the court, they have shown that judges with integrity still exist, that gives me hope. Thank you to lawyer Vukica Midorović and those who have supported me during this period! And finally, with God's help - Students are winning!

— Bojan SarićSarić thanked his legal team and supporters after the court ruling.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.