Montenegro Acquittal Sparks Outrage: 'Copies of Copies' Used as Evidence in Major Corruption Case

Podgorica, Montenegro – A court's decision to acquit several high-ranking officials in the "Stanovi Affair" has sparked outrage and controversy. The accused were charged with causing 2.5 million euros in damages to the state through the distribution of favorable housing loans. However, the court's ruling hinged on copies of documents, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the evidence. "The court lacked the original documents; only copies of copies were presented," stated Vesna Kovačević, a prominent legal expert featured in the video. The Special State Prosecutor's Office has condemned the ruling, deeming it illegal and irregular. They point to the lack of proper verification of the presented copies as a significant flaw in the judicial process. The case is now expected to proceed to the Court of Appeals, highlighting the ongoing battle for transparency and accountability within Montenegro's legal system. The widespread public reaction to this case underscores the importance of ensuring integrity within the judiciary.