Montenegro’s Justice Minister Bojan Bozovic will not interfere with the work of the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) nor recommend to President Jakov Milatovic a pardon for former minister Vesna Bratic, according to today’s daily Vijesti.
Bozovic considers that suggesting a pardon at a stage when the legal process has just begun, and no indictment has been filed, would set a precedent and constitute inappropriate executive interference in prosecutorial work.
President Milatovic’s office had requested the Justice Ministry to act quickly, gather necessary information, and provide a reasoned pardon proposal, following public appeals from Bratic’s sister, Slavica Bratic, who argued that her sister’s detention was unjust.
Vesna Bratic was placed in 30-day pre-trial detention over allegations of abusing her official position in 2021 during the dismissal of school and kindergarten principals while serving as Minister of Education, Culture, Science, and Sports. SDT spokesperson Vukas Radonjic explained the detention was ordered due to flight risk—Bratic also holds Bosnian citizenship—and the potential to influence witnesses.
