Where is the 'Senjak case' going? Milić is no longer in prison, suspected only of failing to report a murder

The release of former Belgrade police chief Veselin Milić from pre-trial detention has raised alarms, with some labeling it a sign of potential state collapse. Milić, who had been held for nearly two months, is now only suspected of failing to report a murder, a significant reduction from the initial charges.

Prosecutors decided to drop the charge of aiding a perpetrator after a detailed analysis of evidence, including video footage, phone records, and witness testimonies. The prosecution stated that there were insufficient grounds to suspect Milić of this offense. However, journalist Miloš Ž. Lazić suggests that even the remaining charge of failing to report a murder might eventually be dismissed.

Lazić posits that either Milić genuinely had no involvement in the events as suspected by the prosecution, or he possesses sufficient influence to navigate the situation. Students who have been protesting view this development as evidence that state institutions are subservient to the regime's interests. Professor Bojan Pajtić from the Faculty of Law in Novi Sad shares a similar perspective, suggesting Milić may have had indirect dealings with high-ranking officials.

Pajtić finds it legally nonsensical that Milić, a former advisor to the president, would be suspected solely of failing to report a crime, questioning who such crimes are reported to if not the police. He also points out the problematic aspects of the case, including the manner in which the murder of Aleksandar Nešović became public knowledge, the investigation's handling, and the Prime Minister's presence at the restaurant "27" the day after the murder occurred.

Lawyer Vladimir Terzić notes that at the time, Saša Vuković, known as Boske, had not confessed to the murder. This raises questions about what the prosecution was investigating and on what evidence they based the initial arrest and detention of Milić and his associates, only to later release them. Terzić questions who should be held accountable for these actions.