“Generalštab” trial continues: Aleksandar Ivanović denies guilt

The trial in the “Generalštab” case continued today before the High Court in Belgrade. Defendant Aleksandar Ivanović, interim head of the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of Belgrade, told the court he is not guilty and that he will defend himself “with the truth.”

The other defendants in the proceedings are Culture Minister Nikola Selaković, as well as Slavica Jellača and Goran Vasić. They are accused of abuse of office and falsification of official documents in connection with the removal of cultural-monument status from the General Staff (Generalštab) buildings in central Belgrade.

Today’s session was devoted to the presentation of Ivanović’s defense, after the trial began in late August. Outside the courthouse, two small groups of citizens with opposing views gathered — one whistling, the other applauding.

The case is linked to plans for the Generalštab complex, damaged during the 1999 NATO bombing, and has sparked long public debates in Serbia.

Source: Udarna Vest