Niš prosecutors seek suspended three-month sentence for student who threw eggs at mayor

Prosecutors in Niš have asked for a suspended three-month prison sentence for medical student Arsenije Milosavljević, along with a 30,000-dinar fine. The proposed sentence would apply if he repeats the offense within a year.

“

Sold sandwich sellers

The case concerns an incident on March 21 last year, when Milosavljević allegedly threw eggs at Niš Mayor Dragoslav Pavlović. Prosecutor Lidija Simović told the court that the student ran toward Pavlović, shouted “Sold sandwich sellers,” and threw an egg. He then picked up another broken egg from the street and threw it at the mayor, but hit another participant instead.

Simović said evidence showed that a group of about 25 people threw eggs and stones at a group that included Pavlović from roughly 20 meters away. She argued that a physical attack does not require physical contact and said Milosavljević attacked the mayor twice with eggs.

“

nonsensical

Defense lawyer Jovan Rajić denied criminal responsibility and called the indictment “nonsensical.” He argued that a physical attack requires force capable of causing suffering or pain, and that an egg could not produce those effects. He also said there was no proof that his client hit anyone and that the incident did not occur at a public gathering because Pavlović had been leaving a party meeting at the Officers’ Club.

“

an instrument in someone else’s hands

Rajić said politicians elsewhere had been hit with eggs without the conduct resulting in criminal convictions. He asked for an acquittal, saying Milosavljević and his family had endured 18 months of prosecution and harassment. Pavlović did not attend the hearing. He previously told the court that he forgave Milosavljević and regarded him as “an instrument in someone else’s hands,” adding that he did not want to “destroy a young man’s life.” The court scheduled the verdict for September 7.

“

destroy a young man’s life