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Terzić on Selaković Trial: 'Looks Like a Judicial Mess'

Terzić on Selaković Trial: 'Looks Like a Judicial Mess'

From N1 Serbia · (7h ago) Serbian Critical tone

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

- Lawyer Vladimir Terzić criticized the trial of Culture Minister Nikola Selaković, likening it to a

Lawyer Vladimir Terzić, speaking on N1 Direktno, expressed strong criticism of the ongoing trial involving Culture Minister Nikola Selaković. Terzić described the situation as a "judicial Jatagan mala" (a term implying chaos and injustice) and a general "galimatijas," suggesting a lack of seriousness from the state. He specifically pointed to the court's alleged allowance of witness discreditation and attacks, stating, "This is not a court." Terzić refuted claims by Selaković's lawyer that they have the right to defend themselves however they wish, emphasizing that the Criminal Procedure Code dictates the scope of defense and prohibits discrediting witnesses. He believes the Special Court is intimidated by the "General Staff case" and should be in control of the proceedings, not Selaković. Terzić expressed doubt about a positive outcome where guilt is proven, suggesting the prosecutor acts like Inspector Tane from a famous Serbian TV show, while others feign ignorance. He also noted that the regime was more careful in selecting judges than prosecutors. The weakest part of the indictment, according to Terzić, is the alleged damage to Serbia's cultural heritage, which he feels is inadequately substantiated. The article highlights a deep skepticism within legal circles regarding the fairness and effectiveness of the judicial process in high-profile cases, reflecting a broader concern about the rule of law in Serbia. This perspective is particularly relevant in a country where public trust in institutions can be fragile, and where legal proceedings are often scrutinized for political influence. The use of colloquialisms like "Jatagan mala" and references to popular culture underscore a distinctly local framing of the legal issues, contrasting with the more formal and neutral tone typically found in international reporting. This local flavor is crucial for understanding the nuances of public discourse surrounding such trials in Serbia.

Meni ovo izgleda kao jedna pravosudna Jatagan mala.

— Vladimir TerzićLawyer Vladimir Terzić's assessment of the trial of Culture Minister Nikola Selaković.
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.