Former defense minister indicted for causing fatal car crash

The Municipal Court in Vinkovci confirmed on Wednesday an indictment against former defense minister Mario Banožić for causing a car accident that resulted in a fatality last year. 

Banožić is charged with reckless driving resulting in a fatality. He had been overtaking a truck in foggy conditions and speeding when he collided with an oncoming vehicle, killing the 41-year-old father of two. The crash occurred in the early morning hours of November 11, 2023 on State Road 55 between Vinkovci and Županja.

Minister of Justice and Digital Transformation Damir Habijan rejected criticism that the investigation had taken too long.

"As Justice Minister, I respect the decisions of the judiciary. The decision was made by the appropriate court and court council. There was some discussion in the media about deadlines. What I can say is that the investigation was completed ahead of the legal deadline and the court council ruled today, one year and two days after the tragic event, to confirm the indictment. What follows now is the usual trail process," said Habijan.

The former minister, if found guilty of causing a fatal traffic accident due to negligence, could receive a sentence one to eight years in prison.