Selaković presented defense in the "Generalštab" case: "I will no longer drink coffee or rakija with people from the Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office"
Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković, accused of abuse of office in the "Generalštab" case, presented his defense today, accusing the Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office of political bias and attempting to destabilize the state. Regarding the accusations of abuse of office, Selaković responded in a few sentences, claiming no criminal offense was committed. Written by: [...]
TL;DR
- Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković presented his defense in the "Generalštab" case, denying charges of abuse of office.
- Selaković accused the Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office (TOK) of political bias, state destabilization, and attempting political change.
- He criticized TOK chief Mladen Nenadić and TOK associate Rade Bajić, alleging bias and political involvement.
- Selaković also attempted to discredit witness Dubravka Đukanović, accusing her and her family of corruption.
- He stated that the legal regulation for revoking cultural heritage status is "poor and contradictory."
- Selaković asserted that neither he nor his associates acted for personal benefit or against Serbia's interests.
- He expressed that this trial, the first to try a minister while in office, would enter the annals of history.
- Selaković stated he would no longer answer questions from TOK, citing their alleged bias.
- Other accused in the case include Slavica Jelača, Goran Vasić, and Aleksandar Ivanović.
- The case involves alleged pressure to remove cultural heritage status from the Generalštab buildings to enable their demolition.
- Allegations of pressure also involved Finance Minister Siniša Mali and former Minister of Construction Goran Vesić.
- Jared Kushner's company had planned to build on the site but later withdrew.