The Higher Court in Belgrade held closing arguments in the criminal proceedings against Vladimir and Miljana Kecmanović, the parents of the boy who carried out the mass shooting at Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in May 2023. The court decided that the hearing would be open to the public, marking a departure from previous proceedings that had largely been closed due to the involvement of a minor and the sensitivity of the case.
During the hearing, prosecutors presented their final arguments, maintaining that the parents bear responsibility for the circumstances that enabled the tragedy. The prosecution argued that the evidence collected during the proceedings demonstrated failures related to the storage, handling, and accessibility of firearms and ammunition, as well as shortcomings in parental supervision. Prosecutors requested that the court find both defendants guilty based on the evidence presented throughout the trial.
Lawyers representing the families of the victims supported the prosecution’s position, emphasizing the consequences of the shooting and the importance of determining responsibility through the judicial process. Representatives of the injured parties argued that the evidence heard during the proceedings established a clear connection between the actions and omissions examined by the court and the events that led to the tragedy.
The defense rejected the allegations and called for the acquittal of the defendants. Defense attorneys argued that the evidence presented during the proceedings did not support criminal responsibility on the part of the parents and maintained that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. They challenged key elements of the prosecution’s interpretation of the evidence and insisted that the defendants should not be held criminally liable for the actions of their son.
The hearing brought together the defendants, legal representatives, prosecutors, and families of victims and survivors. Public and media interest remained extremely high, with the case continuing to attract significant attention across Serbia more than three years after the shooting that shocked the country and the wider region.
The criminal proceedings against Vladimir Kecmanović focus on allegations related to the keeping and accessibility of firearms, while Miljana Kecmanović faces accusations connected to the circumstances examined during the investigation and trial. Throughout the proceedings, the court heard testimony from numerous witnesses and experts and reviewed extensive forensic, ballistic, and documentary evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense.
The decision to allow public access to the closing arguments was viewed as an important procedural step in a case that has generated intense public scrutiny. The court stated that the final phase of the proceedings could be conducted openly while respecting legal requirements and the protection of sensitive information.
Following the presentation of closing arguments by all parties, the proceedings entered their concluding stage. The court is expected to deliberate on the evidence and legal arguments presented during the trial before issuing its verdict. The outcome of the case is being closely watched by the public, victims’ families, legal experts, and institutions throughout Serbia, given the significance of one of the most tragic criminal cases in the country’s recent history.
