Fugitive student “must be extradited to U.S.”

Serbian extradition law protects "punk" or "Nobel Prize nomenee" the same... Like in every country in Europe. But do you think the USA would use blackmail and threats against Germany or UK for example ?
Serbia is always the guilty one and has to accept anything...So, resist.

Russia apart, seems that no country can discuss with Serbia on any item without using threats and blackmail...Please resist, the law and the morale are on your side.

As much as it does look impressive for us, individuals: US$ 53 million is NOTHING for USA, and pretty insignificant for Serbia. It's the price of 50 homes in Silicon Valley and a yearly turnover of 2-3 small IT companies in Serbia. It's peanuts at the State level.

However it is a clear sign: the government of USA is using a very low-profile case (pub brawl) as an excuse to test, how far can they bully Serbia. Serbia has obligation towards Hague (be it Kangaroo court or not), but not this one.

I have to remind: USA did bully Slovenia in 2003 and Hungary in 2004 to free the "pigeon"/agim ceku despite there was an Interpol warrant against him. The charges against pigeon were of different magnitude than a simple pub brawl.

Of course, our "hero" is probably not a "hero". How far he is guilty - let the court in Serbia decide.

But always remember: if USA uses the "aid" of a measly 53 mn. as a blackmail for such an insignificant case, it is to consider: does Serbia need such "friendly" aid from such "friendly" government right now or not. They have only few more month left to stay in power. All Serbia has to do is to pray, Hillary won't be the new Secretary of State.

Proper act from the current government: simply reject the $53mn aid. Screw it. This money is not just (nearly) worthless, it is a "Trojan Horse". That stupid pub brawl is just an excuse. Good opportunity for Jeremic and Tadic to stay at principe and score very high for very little money ($53mn)

Lollee, I don't know how things work in your country, but in most civilized nations a person is innocent before proven guilty. Calling this unfortunate young man a criminal, only shows your impartiality. And why are Shummer and Hillary getting involved in this. Is it because they are NY senators, or is it just more camera ops? People say that the most dangerous place to be is between Shumme rand a news camera. This case does not deserve the coverage it is getting, but it provides a perfect scenerio where the US white knights battle the evil Serbs on a world stage. I hope the US government is a little more sane than these two (NY senators) in their quest for publicity.

all you albanians are making me laugh with your posts. and the US threatens 53 million dollors, big deal the US are broke they wont give that money anyway.

OK, re-$53mn: let USA feed the pigeons and snakes - the bloodthirsty quetzalcoatl needs either human sacrifices or $$$ (or both). Either Serbia or USA or EU has to feed. Seriously, does it matter who? It's a lost money anyway.


Matthew,

While Kovacevic is not to be extradicted to USA, he should not walk free either and feel he is a hero either. There was nothing heroic there. Serbia has to put charges against him (I am sure they will!) and begin the procedure.

Now - here is the trouble - it is of common knowledge, pub brawl with girl and booze being a center of the "problem" is the most common crime in Central Europe. It is not punished brutally because the judges and the police do not see any political issue. Most common sentence is a suspended jail term and monetary fine. It is considered as "adequate" and probably it is.

AFAIK, in Hungary the process of hooligans of October 2006 riots is still under way and the sentences are expected to be pretty mild, despite that the crime was more serious than a brawl in the pub. On the other hand under American justice the sentence will largely depend, how politically and in other way motivated the prosecutor is.

In our case Kovacevic can expect a sentence of probably double-digit years and his family being completely broke due lawyer expenses which is clearly an excessive sentence and against the American Constitution. But we know, how the Constitution is being taken care off... I would not trust such high words these days. However, there is a typically American practice (very immoral, in my opinion!) which is called "plea bargain". Under "plea bargain" scheme even a mass murder gangster can get a minimal sentence - if the circumstances are right and his cooperation is needed. If Kovacevic would use that "tool" properly, he can now get away with much less, than what he would get in Serbia or Hungary.... provided he is really guilty! The costs associated with his extradiction are very high, the probability for it to happen is pretty low. That means, he would provide the prosecutor a very important victory in a nearly hopeless case. Because of that, prosecution would agree now with everything - if it looks like their victory.

If, on the other side, Kovacevic is indeed innocent as he claims and he insists on that - he has zero chances to get a fair trial in the States. Isn't it sick and twisted?

"seems that no country can discuss with Serbia on any item without using threats and blackmail"

Maybe this is the only way Serbia complies? Maybe it's Serbia's fault, and not everyone else's, no? They tried asking in a nice way, plenty of times but Serbia declined.

Ataman,

I can see that you are very vocal about this due to your own mysterious experiences in the US. Weeks ago you were talking about a citizenship class, where apparently you went too far and insulted the country you wanted to be part of or you insulted the teacher. They didn't take it kindly and you ran into trouble. Because of that you even felt that it is better to live the country.
When I came to the US I was a little bit like you. With a typical European mentality I thought I knew more than many Americans and had a somewhat cocky attitude. Even in the stock market I thought I will show them what a European can do. Well after a short time I learned my lesson and revised my views.
In short America as we all know is far from perfect but it has a functioning independent legal system with rules to be observed. As two commentators pointed out he made an agreement with the court to return but instead of doing it he fled the country with the ACTIVE SUPPORT of representatives of Serbia. A private case widened to an inter-governmental case. The consulat apparently helped because he was the son of doctors (still a big status symbol in many Central-European countries). I think Serbia makes a mistake by not cooperating in this affair and playing the eternal victime card.

While I understand Serbia’s laws and the need for them, this kid should not be walking around free. If he had any kind of backbone he would have stood up to face the charges for his actions.

The Serbian government should charge him with a variety of crimes, so that he WANTS to go back to the US instead. He’s a coward and I’m ashamed he’s a Serbian. How selfish of him to put Serbia in such a situation over such a stupid act.

That is the proper course of action.

"On the other hand under American justice the sentence will largely depend, how politically and in other way motivated the prosecutor is... he has zero chances to get a fair trial in the States."

Kovacevic has only himself to blame for turning this into a political case. If he hadn't gone on the run and involved Serbian government officials, it would have been just another assault and it never would have hit the papers here. The dude needs to be charged with crimes against the State for what he did to Serbia's reputation, and involving government officials as well. Probably you'll be able to add bribery to the charges. I hope he does hard time in Serbia.

I do agree that Serbia needs to stand up for her rights and not be bullied by the US. However, this is a really bad test case for such a stand. Choose your fights wisely and this is one Serbia can't win, we can only look bad. The ONLY way the Serbian government can salvage this is by impossing a much harsher sentence then he would face in the US. This guy Kovacevic is the root of the problem. If he just went back on his own, this whole problem would just go away. Instead Serbia is getting beat up in the international media because of this clown. I hate him for the position he put Serbia in at such a critical time when we need to focus on issues like Kosovo.

"pub brawl with girl and booze being a center of the "problem" is the most common crime in Central Europe. It is not punished brutally because the judges and the police do not see any political issue."

A simple assault charge in the US is a misdemor carrying a 5 month sentence, and most here wouldn't do time either. It's no different.

However, he did "allegedly" beat the guy so bad he was in a coma for a long time and nearly died. Is that seriously the most common crime in Central Europe? Does every fight end with one guy in a coma and in danger of losing his life? This is certainly the extreme end of a "bar fight" at least here in the States.

He stands accused of attempted murder, that carries a 5 to 25 year sentence. Even if he were convicted, he's looking at 5 years, or 2 and a half years with good behavior. Even if the victim died, he'd likely get a 15 year sentence and be out in 7. A pretty small sentence for causing the death of someone.

However, there's no way any jury in the US would convict him of attempted murder, there simply isn't any "intent". They just want him to plead guilty to aggravated assault instead and avoid a costly trial. That's how the plea bargain system works. He very likely might have gotten off with just probation if he had cooperated.

He only ran cause he thought the guy was going to die and he didn't want to face a murder charge, that much is obvious.

His whole story stinks and just doesn't add up.

"He said that his son tried to separate students who were fighting in a bar in New York state and did not “hit or kick Bryan Steinhauer,“ and "experienced “serious torture“ while in prison". Torture? If he were some poor black guy or a junkie no one would miss, maybe I'd believe it, but some white guy on the basketball team? Doubtful.

Ataman, I totally respect you, but you have no idea at all how the American legal system works at all. Occassionally yes there are miscarriages of justice, but the vast majority of the time, the accussed in our country have enormous rights, and it sounds to me like his family can easily afford access to those rights. I have no sympathy for some rich kid that comes to my country, abuses the laws here, and then takes off to skip out on his responsibilities here.

I just can't believe these comments that Serbia should "resist". Resist what? Protecting a punk who couldn't wait to use his free tuition paid ride in the US?!! I mean people should pick their battles. Does Serbia really want to lose aid over a punk in a bar brawl? What positive will come out of that? Wouldn't it have been more realistic for his family, since they are loaded with money, to hire a "high powered" lawyer? He could have gotten off on a technicality!! Out of all the issues Serbia has today, why choose protecting this criminal. If it is true that it was a bar brawl then why is it such a big international deal?If this government is willing to give up a big fish like Karadzic then why protect a big nobody??

Matthew,

I am very impressed by your excellent description of our legal system. Most likely you are part of it. I know that some of its future members spend difficult daily 6 hours for 3 days - starting yesterday - by trying the "bar exam", written test, most difficult in California and New York.

Kovacevic had every chance to get a fair trial in the US. And he still does. Granted, because he fled he tainted his own name and made himself seem guilty, he will still have due process as promised to all people.

But, this case is different than another which might call for extradition. The reason is because the kid himself signed a binding agreement to return to court on the necessary day as part of receiving bail. The fact that a representative of the Serbian government ilegally aided and abetted his escape also puts more of the blame on Serbia.

If the kid had not signed an agreement to return to court in the United States before a representative of the Serbian government ilegally allowed him to flee the country, then things would be different. But, he made an agreement to return to court, and that is what he must abide by!

I understand why Mathew is ashamed that this kid is Serbian.

Joe,

I've worked at top 100 Law Firms for the past decade and a half, most of my family are lawyers or judges, even in Serbia and Croatia. My father was a national merit scholar who attended Stanford Law School. I am actually an e-Discovery consultant not a lawyer (although many e-Discovery consultants are). However, I have to understand and keep current on case law pertaining to those issues. I did study some law in college (including legal research) and I've always been highly interested in criminal law. I did work for a while as a paralegal in a criminal defense firm, but I found it very depressing. I thought I'd be defending mobsters or something interesting, instead I was defending white collar criminals who prayed on the poor. Something my consious would not allow.

California and New York are the toughest exams, my father failed the first time on both.

I am no expert by any means, but I do have a pretty good understanding of how the system works.

Ataman does correctly point out some flaws in our system, but they are the exceptions and not the general rule. For the most part the system works, especially if you have the money to access appropriate help, which this kid obviously has if his mother can afford to fly out to visit him, something the vast majority of Serbian families could not do.

Matthew,

Thanks for your info. You can be trully proud of your familly.
About failing on the bar exam the first time is very common. It happened to a lot of well-known people like Hillary Clinton in Washington (she passed it in Arkansas), John Kennedy jr (he passed it on the 3rd try) and if I remember correctly Ed Koch.
I even heard that somebody in California failed it after the 11th time and his wife divorced him.

Before we continue:

Not that it would matter, but Kovačević is not likely to be an ethnic Serb. That does not make me happier either. That family name is most likely based on Hungarian "Kovács" = "Smith". The word "kovács" itself is of Slavic origin, the archaic Hungarian word for smith is "Tibor" (like the name!), close to Turkic "demir" or Mongol "Төмөр" "Tömör" ("iron", "tömör" in Hungarian means "dense"). Of note, the word "Tomor" is also known in Albanian mythology. Instead, in Hungarian the word "kovács" is used since centuries - a Slavonic "import". It is such a common name, that the Hungarian version of "John Doe"/"Иван Иванович Иванов"/"Janko Janković" is "Kovács János".

Family names of Serbs are similar to Russian "fatherly" names with very few exceptions like "Popović" (son/daughter of the priest, only Orthodox and only low-ranking priests could marry!). AFAIK, Kovačević is not such name, it is most likely a "serbisied" Hungarian "Kovács". I intentionally waited, waited and waited to see, will any Serb ever mention, "Kovačević" is not a Serb, but Hungarian name. No one ever did. Милион хвала.

Joe,

Myself and the Croatian couple decided after the little argument that we better spend our time somewhere else. There was no "trouble", just argument with the teacher who probably was thinking after the case, we don't understand her logic because she could not convince us. We were thinking the same. There was disagreement, not insult. I pay taxes and I am morally right to openly disagree with what I disagree with. No need to exaggerate things.

I remember the case well because it did show, how unexpectedly big can be differences. USA is proud to be multi-cultural society, what is wrong with disagreement. Being the citizen of USA does not mean to be a "yes-man".

Matthew,

I am firmly convinced, "plea bargain" is an ugly, immoral thing. Either you are guilty - than pay the fine - or not (than walk away). The entire legal procedure should be not jeopradize your wealth and a lawyer of satisfactory quality should not be affordable for upper-class people only.

We are active MADD supporters ("Mothers against Drunk Driving"). We are upset, the courts in America routinely hang out a "recless driving" sentence for drunk driving in exchange of plea bargain. It's even in some "ticket fighter" booklets, how to escape the DUI sentence legally and manipulate the judge/prosecutor. As I read such books I became really MAD, not just MADD. I am working in IT, not law. My understanding of law is not even basic - but this practice makes my stomach sick. In Hungary or Serbia it's AFAIK simple: you drink = you kiss your d/l good-bye. In Hungary and Croatia it's even "zero percent tolerance" we absolutely support. I wish Serbia the same.

I am not convinced, the entire judical system works satisfactory well. USA has one of the biggest per-capita population in prisons. So there could be some big issue with prevention. Litigation costs are the highest in the world and they keep other things unreasonably expensive. As a small business if you need an insurance against litigation the insurance companies will suck your budget dry.

On the other side companies like eBay can get away with illegal lottery and scams. If you want to know the details, I can provide you and if you want to help the justice and prevent people being scammed - with knowledge of eBay employees and without any consequence for doing illegal lottery: I can provide you details. If you are close to the law: please help them. I tried my best to inform the Attorney of State in California: no reaction.

As for Kovács/Kovačević: we know only fragments of the truth and hysterical media frenzy. If he would be of, say, Swiss origin the reaction would be not the same. We know, that as soon as it was discovered, the "Serb" terrorists are of Albanian origin the media went silent. It's interesting to know, what would/will happen if they discover, it's rather "Kovács" and "Kovačević" is essentially just a mere Serb adoptation from Hungarian.

We want to know the truth and in that case the truth is unlikely to come out from a court based in USA. The proof is precisely the hysteria around the case. AFAIK, the hysteria started BEFORE he fled. I CAN imagine a torture in any prison of any country. We do not know what happened.

In my opinion, this case is an "exception" you mention. It became to be an "exception" even before it unfolded.

I want to re-iterate, that IF Kovacevic is indeed guilty of what he is charged with, than a court in Serbia should give a sentence reflecting the full charge. You are right that the penalty in such cases SHOULD be much more. I would not extradict him for several reasons:

a) it is unlikely, he will stand a fair trial. You can argue, it's his fault. He made a huge mess, now he has to pay for it. I will argue, even before he fled, he had slim chances because of his ethnic background. Further, regardless of the mess he did, he is still entitled to a fair trial.

b) SOL, it's against the Serbian Constitution.

c) If USA would be extradict to Serbia it's own citizens who are charged in Serbia for crimes more serious than that, it could be considered. That did not happen.

d) The funny story with $53 million would infuriate even moderates. If certain politicians try to use it to basically, blackmail Serbia into doing somewhat against the Constitution, that $53 million can be used for even more mean things. It's not an "aid" but rather an assault. As I did mention, screw it than.

I disagree with you, Kovačević did run because he was thinking, the victim is going to die. I did not speak with Kovačević of course but if you know the (in)famous case with the Swiss boy from Colorado who was not even a teenager - you would also think twice. Forget Kovačević, look at the case of the Swiss boy. His grandma was right taking care about the flight tickets. Luckily for them, Switzerland is not Serbia. Otherwise we would still hear about these "monster Serbs" "who raise their children that the older boys are allowed to rape their own sister".

With all respect to these cases (pub brawl and a small boy helping his sister by pee-pee) I can't understand, why "minor" offenders like eBay can get away with illegal lottery, thousands of victims - not even being investigated.

I just can't believe these comments that Serbia should "resist". Resist what? Protecting a punk who couldn't wait to use his free tuition paid ride in the US?!! I mean people should pick their battles. Does Serbia really want to lose aid over a punk in a bar brawl? What positive will come out of that? Wouldn't it have been more realistic for his family, since they are loaded with money, to hire a "high powered" lawyer? He could have gotten off on a technicality!! Out of all the issues Serbia has today, why choose protecting this criminal. If it is true that it was a bar brawl then why is it such a big international deal?If this government is willing to give up a big fish like Karadzic then why protect a big nobody??

"seems that no country can discuss with Serbia on any item without using threats and blackmail"

Maybe this is the only way Serbia complies? Maybe it's Serbia's fault, and not everyone else's, no? They tried asking in a nice way, plenty of times but Serbia declined.

As much as it does look impressive for us, individuals: US$ 53 million is NOTHING for USA, and pretty insignificant for Serbia. It's the price of 50 homes in Silicon Valley and a yearly turnover of 2-3 small IT companies in Serbia. It's peanuts at the State level.

However it is a clear sign: the government of USA is using a very low-profile case (pub brawl) as an excuse to test, how far can they bully Serbia. Serbia has obligation towards Hague (be it Kangaroo court or not), but not this one.

I have to remind: USA did bully Slovenia in 2003 and Hungary in 2004 to free the "pigeon"/agim ceku despite there was an Interpol warrant against him. The charges against pigeon were of different magnitude than a simple pub brawl.

Of course, our "hero" is probably not a "hero". How far he is guilty - let the court in Serbia decide.

But always remember: if USA uses the "aid" of a measly 53 mn. as a blackmail for such an insignificant case, it is to consider: does Serbia need such "friendly" aid from such "friendly" government right now or not. They have only few more month left to stay in power. All Serbia has to do is to pray, Hillary won't be the new Secretary of State.

Proper act from the current government: simply reject the $53mn aid. Screw it. This money is not just (nearly) worthless, it is a "Trojan Horse". That stupid pub brawl is just an excuse. Good opportunity for Jeremic and Tadic to stay at principe and score very high for very little money ($53mn)

Serbian extradition law protects "punk" or "Nobel Prize nomenee" the same... Like in every country in Europe. But do you think the USA would use blackmail and threats against Germany or UK for example ?
Serbia is always the guilty one and has to accept anything...So, resist.

While I understand Serbia’s laws and the need for them, this kid should not be walking around free. If he had any kind of backbone he would have stood up to face the charges for his actions.

The Serbian government should charge him with a variety of crimes, so that he WANTS to go back to the US instead. He’s a coward and I’m ashamed he’s a Serbian. How selfish of him to put Serbia in such a situation over such a stupid act.

That is the proper course of action.

Russia apart, seems that no country can discuss with Serbia on any item without using threats and blackmail...Please resist, the law and the morale are on your side.

Lollee, I don't know how things work in your country, but in most civilized nations a person is innocent before proven guilty. Calling this unfortunate young man a criminal, only shows your impartiality. And why are Shummer and Hillary getting involved in this. Is it because they are NY senators, or is it just more camera ops? People say that the most dangerous place to be is between Shumme rand a news camera. This case does not deserve the coverage it is getting, but it provides a perfect scenerio where the US white knights battle the evil Serbs on a world stage. I hope the US government is a little more sane than these two (NY senators) in their quest for publicity.

all you albanians are making me laugh with your posts. and the US threatens 53 million dollors, big deal the US are broke they wont give that money anyway.

OK, re-$53mn: let USA feed the pigeons and snakes - the bloodthirsty quetzalcoatl needs either human sacrifices or $$$ (or both). Either Serbia or USA or EU has to feed. Seriously, does it matter who? It's a lost money anyway.


Matthew,

While Kovacevic is not to be extradicted to USA, he should not walk free either and feel he is a hero either. There was nothing heroic there. Serbia has to put charges against him (I am sure they will!) and begin the procedure.

Now - here is the trouble - it is of common knowledge, pub brawl with girl and booze being a center of the "problem" is the most common crime in Central Europe. It is not punished brutally because the judges and the police do not see any political issue. Most common sentence is a suspended jail term and monetary fine. It is considered as "adequate" and probably it is.

AFAIK, in Hungary the process of hooligans of October 2006 riots is still under way and the sentences are expected to be pretty mild, despite that the crime was more serious than a brawl in the pub. On the other hand under American justice the sentence will largely depend, how politically and in other way motivated the prosecutor is.

In our case Kovacevic can expect a sentence of probably double-digit years and his family being completely broke due lawyer expenses which is clearly an excessive sentence and against the American Constitution. But we know, how the Constitution is being taken care off... I would not trust such high words these days. However, there is a typically American practice (very immoral, in my opinion!) which is called "plea bargain". Under "plea bargain" scheme even a mass murder gangster can get a minimal sentence - if the circumstances are right and his cooperation is needed. If Kovacevic would use that "tool" properly, he can now get away with much less, than what he would get in Serbia or Hungary.... provided he is really guilty! The costs associated with his extradiction are very high, the probability for it to happen is pretty low. That means, he would provide the prosecutor a very important victory in a nearly hopeless case. Because of that, prosecution would agree now with everything - if it looks like their victory.

If, on the other side, Kovacevic is indeed innocent as he claims and he insists on that - he has zero chances to get a fair trial in the States. Isn't it sick and twisted?

Kovacevic had every chance to get a fair trial in the US. And he still does. Granted, because he fled he tainted his own name and made himself seem guilty, he will still have due process as promised to all people.

But, this case is different than another which might call for extradition. The reason is because the kid himself signed a binding agreement to return to court on the necessary day as part of receiving bail. The fact that a representative of the Serbian government ilegally aided and abetted his escape also puts more of the blame on Serbia.

If the kid had not signed an agreement to return to court in the United States before a representative of the Serbian government ilegally allowed him to flee the country, then things would be different. But, he made an agreement to return to court, and that is what he must abide by!

I understand why Mathew is ashamed that this kid is Serbian.

Ataman,

I can see that you are very vocal about this due to your own mysterious experiences in the US. Weeks ago you were talking about a citizenship class, where apparently you went too far and insulted the country you wanted to be part of or you insulted the teacher. They didn't take it kindly and you ran into trouble. Because of that you even felt that it is better to live the country.
When I came to the US I was a little bit like you. With a typical European mentality I thought I knew more than many Americans and had a somewhat cocky attitude. Even in the stock market I thought I will show them what a European can do. Well after a short time I learned my lesson and revised my views.
In short America as we all know is far from perfect but it has a functioning independent legal system with rules to be observed. As two commentators pointed out he made an agreement with the court to return but instead of doing it he fled the country with the ACTIVE SUPPORT of representatives of Serbia. A private case widened to an inter-governmental case. The consulat apparently helped because he was the son of doctors (still a big status symbol in many Central-European countries). I think Serbia makes a mistake by not cooperating in this affair and playing the eternal victime card.

"On the other hand under American justice the sentence will largely depend, how politically and in other way motivated the prosecutor is... he has zero chances to get a fair trial in the States."

Kovacevic has only himself to blame for turning this into a political case. If he hadn't gone on the run and involved Serbian government officials, it would have been just another assault and it never would have hit the papers here. The dude needs to be charged with crimes against the State for what he did to Serbia's reputation, and involving government officials as well. Probably you'll be able to add bribery to the charges. I hope he does hard time in Serbia.

I do agree that Serbia needs to stand up for her rights and not be bullied by the US. However, this is a really bad test case for such a stand. Choose your fights wisely and this is one Serbia can't win, we can only look bad. The ONLY way the Serbian government can salvage this is by impossing a much harsher sentence then he would face in the US. This guy Kovacevic is the root of the problem. If he just went back on his own, this whole problem would just go away. Instead Serbia is getting beat up in the international media because of this clown. I hate him for the position he put Serbia in at such a critical time when we need to focus on issues like Kosovo.

"pub brawl with girl and booze being a center of the "problem" is the most common crime in Central Europe. It is not punished brutally because the judges and the police do not see any political issue."

A simple assault charge in the US is a misdemor carrying a 5 month sentence, and most here wouldn't do time either. It's no different.

However, he did "allegedly" beat the guy so bad he was in a coma for a long time and nearly died. Is that seriously the most common crime in Central Europe? Does every fight end with one guy in a coma and in danger of losing his life? This is certainly the extreme end of a "bar fight" at least here in the States.

He stands accused of attempted murder, that carries a 5 to 25 year sentence. Even if he were convicted, he's looking at 5 years, or 2 and a half years with good behavior. Even if the victim died, he'd likely get a 15 year sentence and be out in 7. A pretty small sentence for causing the death of someone.

However, there's no way any jury in the US would convict him of attempted murder, there simply isn't any "intent". They just want him to plead guilty to aggravated assault instead and avoid a costly trial. That's how the plea bargain system works. He very likely might have gotten off with just probation if he had cooperated.

He only ran cause he thought the guy was going to die and he didn't want to face a murder charge, that much is obvious.

His whole story stinks and just doesn't add up.

"He said that his son tried to separate students who were fighting in a bar in New York state and did not “hit or kick Bryan Steinhauer,“ and "experienced “serious torture“ while in prison". Torture? If he were some poor black guy or a junkie no one would miss, maybe I'd believe it, but some white guy on the basketball team? Doubtful.

Ataman, I totally respect you, but you have no idea at all how the American legal system works at all. Occassionally yes there are miscarriages of justice, but the vast majority of the time, the accussed in our country have enormous rights, and it sounds to me like his family can easily afford access to those rights. I have no sympathy for some rich kid that comes to my country, abuses the laws here, and then takes off to skip out on his responsibilities here.

Matthew,

I am very impressed by your excellent description of our legal system. Most likely you are part of it. I know that some of its future members spend difficult daily 6 hours for 3 days - starting yesterday - by trying the "bar exam", written test, most difficult in California and New York.

Joe,

I've worked at top 100 Law Firms for the past decade and a half, most of my family are lawyers or judges, even in Serbia and Croatia. My father was a national merit scholar who attended Stanford Law School. I am actually an e-Discovery consultant not a lawyer (although many e-Discovery consultants are). However, I have to understand and keep current on case law pertaining to those issues. I did study some law in college (including legal research) and I've always been highly interested in criminal law. I did work for a while as a paralegal in a criminal defense firm, but I found it very depressing. I thought I'd be defending mobsters or something interesting, instead I was defending white collar criminals who prayed on the poor. Something my consious would not allow.

California and New York are the toughest exams, my father failed the first time on both.

I am no expert by any means, but I do have a pretty good understanding of how the system works.

Ataman does correctly point out some flaws in our system, but they are the exceptions and not the general rule. For the most part the system works, especially if you have the money to access appropriate help, which this kid obviously has if his mother can afford to fly out to visit him, something the vast majority of Serbian families could not do.

Matthew,

Thanks for your info. You can be trully proud of your familly.
About failing on the bar exam the first time is very common. It happened to a lot of well-known people like Hillary Clinton in Washington (she passed it in Arkansas), John Kennedy jr (he passed it on the 3rd try) and if I remember correctly Ed Koch.
I even heard that somebody in California failed it after the 11th time and his wife divorced him.

Before we continue:

Not that it would matter, but Kovačević is not likely to be an ethnic Serb. That does not make me happier either. That family name is most likely based on Hungarian "Kovács" = "Smith". The word "kovács" itself is of Slavic origin, the archaic Hungarian word for smith is "Tibor" (like the name!), close to Turkic "demir" or Mongol "Төмөр" "Tömör" ("iron", "tömör" in Hungarian means "dense"). Of note, the word "Tomor" is also known in Albanian mythology. Instead, in Hungarian the word "kovács" is used since centuries - a Slavonic "import". It is such a common name, that the Hungarian version of "John Doe"/"Иван Иванович Иванов"/"Janko Janković" is "Kovács János".

Family names of Serbs are similar to Russian "fatherly" names with very few exceptions like "Popović" (son/daughter of the priest, only Orthodox and only low-ranking priests could marry!). AFAIK, Kovačević is not such name, it is most likely a "serbisied" Hungarian "Kovács". I intentionally waited, waited and waited to see, will any Serb ever mention, "Kovačević" is not a Serb, but Hungarian name. No one ever did. Милион хвала.

Joe,

Myself and the Croatian couple decided after the little argument that we better spend our time somewhere else. There was no "trouble", just argument with the teacher who probably was thinking after the case, we don't understand her logic because she could not convince us. We were thinking the same. There was disagreement, not insult. I pay taxes and I am morally right to openly disagree with what I disagree with. No need to exaggerate things.

I remember the case well because it did show, how unexpectedly big can be differences. USA is proud to be multi-cultural society, what is wrong with disagreement. Being the citizen of USA does not mean to be a "yes-man".

Matthew,

I am firmly convinced, "plea bargain" is an ugly, immoral thing. Either you are guilty - than pay the fine - or not (than walk away). The entire legal procedure should be not jeopradize your wealth and a lawyer of satisfactory quality should not be affordable for upper-class people only.

We are active MADD supporters ("Mothers against Drunk Driving"). We are upset, the courts in America routinely hang out a "recless driving" sentence for drunk driving in exchange of plea bargain. It's even in some "ticket fighter" booklets, how to escape the DUI sentence legally and manipulate the judge/prosecutor. As I read such books I became really MAD, not just MADD. I am working in IT, not law. My understanding of law is not even basic - but this practice makes my stomach sick. In Hungary or Serbia it's AFAIK simple: you drink = you kiss your d/l good-bye. In Hungary and Croatia it's even "zero percent tolerance" we absolutely support. I wish Serbia the same.

I am not convinced, the entire judical system works satisfactory well. USA has one of the biggest per-capita population in prisons. So there could be some big issue with prevention. Litigation costs are the highest in the world and they keep other things unreasonably expensive. As a small business if you need an insurance against litigation the insurance companies will suck your budget dry.

On the other side companies like eBay can get away with illegal lottery and scams. If you want to know the details, I can provide you and if you want to help the justice and prevent people being scammed - with knowledge of eBay employees and without any consequence for doing illegal lottery: I can provide you details. If you are close to the law: please help them. I tried my best to inform the Attorney of State in California: no reaction.

As for Kovács/Kovačević: we know only fragments of the truth and hysterical media frenzy. If he would be of, say, Swiss origin the reaction would be not the same. We know, that as soon as it was discovered, the "Serb" terrorists are of Albanian origin the media went silent. It's interesting to know, what would/will happen if they discover, it's rather "Kovács" and "Kovačević" is essentially just a mere Serb adoptation from Hungarian.

We want to know the truth and in that case the truth is unlikely to come out from a court based in USA. The proof is precisely the hysteria around the case. AFAIK, the hysteria started BEFORE he fled. I CAN imagine a torture in any prison of any country. We do not know what happened.

In my opinion, this case is an "exception" you mention. It became to be an "exception" even before it unfolded.

I want to re-iterate, that IF Kovacevic is indeed guilty of what he is charged with, than a court in Serbia should give a sentence reflecting the full charge. You are right that the penalty in such cases SHOULD be much more. I would not extradict him for several reasons:

a) it is unlikely, he will stand a fair trial. You can argue, it's his fault. He made a huge mess, now he has to pay for it. I will argue, even before he fled, he had slim chances because of his ethnic background. Further, regardless of the mess he did, he is still entitled to a fair trial.

b) SOL, it's against the Serbian Constitution.

c) If USA would be extradict to Serbia it's own citizens who are charged in Serbia for crimes more serious than that, it could be considered. That did not happen.

d) The funny story with $53 million would infuriate even moderates. If certain politicians try to use it to basically, blackmail Serbia into doing somewhat against the Constitution, that $53 million can be used for even more mean things. It's not an "aid" but rather an assault. As I did mention, screw it than.

I disagree with you, Kovačević did run because he was thinking, the victim is going to die. I did not speak with Kovačević of course but if you know the (in)famous case with the Swiss boy from Colorado who was not even a teenager - you would also think twice. Forget Kovačević, look at the case of the Swiss boy. His grandma was right taking care about the flight tickets. Luckily for them, Switzerland is not Serbia. Otherwise we would still hear about these "monster Serbs" "who raise their children that the older boys are allowed to rape their own sister".

With all respect to these cases (pub brawl and a small boy helping his sister by pee-pee) I can't understand, why "minor" offenders like eBay can get away with illegal lottery, thousands of victims - not even being investigated.