The Cantonal Court in Zenica brought the Trial Judgment in the case against the current mayor of Fuad Kasumović, the party leader of the Bosnian Initiative (BHI – KF). After a three-year process, Kasumović was found guilty and sentenced to four years in prison, with the involvement of time spent in custody. In addition, he was also sentenced to a ban on the performance of the mayor’s function in a period of six years.
The verdict was sentenced to Ismar Jukić, Chairman of the Trial Chamber, while the Prosecution MP prosecutor told Adina Karadži. He did not appear on Kasumović’s verdict, “Asim Crnalić was advocated. In front of the court, however, a larger number of citizens and supporters, who shouted “Fudo, Fudo” during reading the verdict.
Prosecution and process
The process against Kasumović and ten more people began in October 2022. years, and as many as 92 hearings were held during the trial. The accused were charged with more criminal offenses: Association for the purpose of committing crimes, abuse of position, the cause of bankruptcy, forgery of the official documents and unscrupulous work in the service.
According to the indictment, since 2017. until 2020. The accused were illegally transferred ownership of the bus station ZenicaTransa to the city of Zenica. Property valuable more than 5.3 million KM was allegedly transferred through fictitious debts and unfinished interest rates, thus avoiding the collection of 7 million KM’s claim of the FBiH Tax Administration. The consequence was the bankruptcy in the end 2020. year, the termination of public transport and the loss of work for more than 150 workers.
During the proceedings, extensive evidence – more than 12,000 pages and over 750 documents were performed.
Other accused
In addition to Kasumović, other participants in the case were convicted:
- Vahdet Drino – two years in prison,
- Abdulah Kratina – two years in prison,
- Amel Krivdić – one year in prison,
- Mesud Ormanović – one year in prison.
Defense and further procedure
The defense claimed that the Prosecution did not prove the basic allegations of the indictment, nor the existence of an organized group, intent or inflicted damage. It was emphasized that all relations between Zenica and ZenicaTrans had a legal basis and that the city was legitimately investing funds in the company. However, the Court concluded that the evidence was sufficient to confirm the guilt of the accused. As it is a first-instance verdict, a complaint and defense and prosecution is expected, and the procedure in the Higher Court could take months, and even a year.
Security measures and support of citizens
On the eve of the verdict, the space around the cantonal court in Zenica was under reinforced security measures. Police closed the access streets and fenced the court building to prevent possible incidents. A large number of citizens gathered on the spot, including the directors of city public companies, which came to support the mayor.
This case provoked great public attention due to the complexity of the process, but also due to possible political consequences, including the option of maintaining early elections in Zenica.
(Type / Source: federal.ba/Foto: Fena / Vehid Begunić / Archive)
