Charges against former Defence Minister still unconfirmed

Former Defence Minister Mario Banožić caused the traffic accident on 11 November 2023, and the charges against him have still not been confirmed one year later. The hearing at which the indictment was to be discussed was scheduled for 6 November.

Banožić postponed the session of the Prosecutorial Council where the validity of the indictment against him was to be discussed.

It was confirmed that the Prosecutorial Council was originally scheduled for 6 November 2024. However, Banožić had asked for a postponement through his lawyer, as his lawyer was unavailable due to a previously scheduled hearing for which evidence was presented.

"The Chairman of the Prosecutorial Council will propose a new date for the Council meeting in consultation with the other members," the Vinkovci District Court announced. This is remarkable considering that 11 November marks the first anniversary of the fatal traffic accident and the indictment has still not been confirmed.

In November last year, Banožić was involved in a road accident in which 41-year-old Goran Šarić lost his life.

According to the indictment, Banožić is accused of driving from Vinkovci in the direction of Županja. He allegedly drove at an inappropriate speed, overtook a convoy of vehicles and crossed into the oncoming lane, although visibility was limited by fog and the vehicles in front of him.