KRIK: Gorski Matović accused of attacking students in Novi Sad, prosecution seeks prison sentence

N1 Serbia reports on the ongoing legal proceedings against Gorski Matović, who faces charges for allegedly assaulting students during a protest in Novi Sad. Matović, who has a prior conviction for violent conduct, is accused of attacking students outside the Serbian National Theatre. The prosecution is seeking a significant prison sentence and a substantial fine, reflecting the seriousness of the alleged offense.

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The law under which Matović is charged provides for a prison sentence of one to five years. However, the second paragraph states that if the act is committed by a group, and this is the case here because besides Matović there were two other attackers, the perpetrator will be punished with imprisonment from two to eight years.

Video footage circulating on social media appears to show Matović and a group of men assaulting a student, with one female student reportedly hitting her head against a wall after being pushed. Matović was initially arrested but later placed under house arrest, where he remains. The prosecution has charged him with violent conduct at a sports event or public gathering, an offense that carries a prison term of one to eight years.

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Also, the assaulted students suffered serious injuries, and that is why Matović had to be charged under the provision that provides for a prison sentence of three to 12 years.

However, the lawyer representing the assaulted students believes the charges are insufficient. He argues that Matović should be prosecuted under a clause that mandates a harsher sentence of two to eight years, given that the attack was carried out by a group. Furthermore, he contends that the severity of the students' injuries warrants charges under a provision carrying three to 12 years imprisonment. The lawyer also points to the fact that two other attackers seen in the footage have yet to be apprehended, suggesting they are being protected, possibly due to alleged ties to the ruling SNS party. This situation raises serious questions about justice and accountability in Serbia, particularly when political affiliations may influence the application of law.

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It is evident that the attackers are being protected. My opinion is that it is because they are close to SNS and therefore the system protects them because they will need them for the next upcoming events.