Fotopub scandal figure Dušan Smodej appears in court

Dušan Smodej, the central figure in the Fotopub scandal, appeared at the Ljubljana District Court for a pre-trial hearing. Smodej, whose full name is Josip Smodej, faced the judge, Vesna Podjed, as proceedings related to charges of sexual violence, facilitating drug use, and minor bodily harm continued behind closed doors to protect the victims' privacy.

The charges stem from alleged incidents during Smodej's leadership of the Fotopub association, a venue known for gatherings and parties where the alleged offenses occurred. Notably, one of the alleged victims was a minor at the time of the incidents. Smodej has consistently denied all accusations since the scandal first broke, asserting his innocence.

He has previously stated that the charges are baseless and are a result of threats from an acquaintance who has allegedly been extorting him. The Fotopub affair initially surfaced four years ago when testimonies of sexual violence and drug use emerged, brought to public attention through the Instagram profile "Proti nasilju Dušana Smodeja" (PNDS), which detailed alleged events in Ljubljana's nightlife and cultural circles.

Following the hearing, Smodej, accompanied by his lawyer Miloš Zarić, left the courthouse. While unofficial reports suggest the pre-trial hearing has concluded, the date for the commencement of the main trial remains unknown. The indictment against Smodej was filed in late February of the previous year.

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unfounded accusations are the result of my acquaintance, who has been threatening me with death for the last week and extorting me with posts.