The recent decision by the Higher Court in Podgorica to lift the detention of businessmen Ranka Ubović and Vladan Ivanović has led to a notable reaction from their defense attorney, Nikola Ivanović. He expressed surprise at the statement from the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) asserting that the release was illegal.
During a press conference, Ivanović highlighted that the prosecutors involved had conducted hearings with proposed witnesses, allowing the judges to make a legitimate ruling to release his clients. He emphasized that he believes there was no valid reason for the initial detention, stating, “I do not think there is founded suspicion that they committed any criminal act, especially not this one.”
The SDT’s announcement regarding the legality of the release has raised questions among legal experts. Ivanović noted that the assertion by the SDT was unexpected, as the legal framework and established practices in similar cases typically support such decisions. He refrained from commenting further on the SDT’s statement, indicating that the court’s ruling was fully justified and lawful.
The defense attorney mentioned that the matter could be revisited if the SDT chooses to appeal the court’s ruling. “We remain open to see what opinion higher instances will have regarding this. The law provides such an opportunity,” he said.
Legal observers are now keenly awaiting any potential actions from the SDT. The case surrounding Ubović and Ivanović has drawn significant attention, not only for its implications for the individuals involved but also for the broader context of judicial practices in Montenegro.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcomes will likely influence future cases handled by the SDT and could impact public perception of the judicial system in Montenegro.
