By: Sara Kovač (Nova24tv.si)
The forced escort of former judge Zvjezdan Radonjić caused a significant stir. Radonjić, who was unable to attend the trial due to illness, was brought to court in handcuffs by judicial police. This was seen as an obvious display of power and intimidation, sparking numerous criticisms, including from former Minister of the Interior, Dr Vinko Gorenak.
Vinko Gorenak sharply condemned the actions of the police, stating that there were no legal grounds for the use of handcuffs. “Police are required to use handcuffs only in cases of aggression, danger, or when there is a justified suspicion that the person may attempt to flee. None of these conditions were present in this case,” Gorenak pointed out, urging the police to publicly explain the legal reasons and regulations on which they based the handcuffing of the former judge.
The police forcibly brought Zvjezdan Radonjić to court based on a decision by the judicial panel, which determined that the accused was avoiding the trial. Even though the judge had a medical certificate stating that Radonjić was on medical leave until November, she still issued the order for his escort. At the start of the hearing, the judge confirmed she was aware of the document but proceeded with the trial nonetheless.
Escort based on a judicial decision, despite Radonjić being on medical leave
Gorenak emphasised: “This situation with Radonjić is the peak of absurdity. The judge had an expert opinion that he was unfit to attend hearings until November 2024. Nevertheless, an order for his escort was issued.”
Judicial police short on staff, but two were available for Radonjić
Ironically, just a few days ago, the media reported a shortage of judicial police, which resulted in 1,700 court hearings being cancelled this year. The Director of the Administration for the Enforcement of Penal Sanctions, Bojan Majcen, stated that they simply could not transport defendants to court. As a result, even the most dangerous criminals remained free, yet two judicial police officers were available to escort the former judge Radonjić.
Moreover, it is known that in the case of the “Balkan Warriors”, for example, defendants, including Dragan Tošić, attended trials without handcuffs. In this context, Radonjić’s handcuffed escort seems especially disproportionate.
Political reactions: calls for rebellion
In addition to Vinko Gorenak, Janez Janša also spoke out, stating that this is a clear abuse of the judiciary and a tipping point. “If the conviction against former judge Radonjić is upheld on appeal, the only option left will be a general civil and national rebellion against the regime’s arrogance and the judicial caste that enables the functioning of the deep state,” Janša wrote sharply. He emphasised that Judge Radonjić ruled according to his conscience in the Novič case, not under orders, which is why he is being punished by the judicial system.
The events surrounding the forced escort of Judge Radonjić have exposed a deeply troubling situation in our judicial system. The display of power, the use of handcuffs without any legal grounds, and the disregard for medical documentation raise serious questions about the core values the state should uphold. It seems that those entrusted with safeguarding justice are willing to use intimidation and power when it suits them. Citizens are therefore rightly questioning whether there is still room for justice and respect for human rights in such a system.