Belgrade prosecutor Stefanović has requested the maximum penalty for the crime committed at the "Ribnikar"

In his closing statement before the Higher Court in Belgrade, Chief Prosecutor Nenad Stefanović presented in detail the prosecution’s request and emphasized the severity of the crime committed by a child who cannot be held criminally responsible because he was under 14 years old at the time of the attack.

Before the closing arguments were delivered, the Higher Court decided to open the trial to the public, allowing members of the media to attend.

During his remarks, Stefanović stressed that the law imposes special responsibility on parents, who have not only a legal but also a moral obligation to raise and guide their child.

He stated that the neglect in upbringing seen in the case of K.K. did not occur suddenly, but was the result of long-term failures in parental supervision, emotional development, and failure to recognize serious warning signs.

The prosecutor argued that the Kecmanović parents failed to recognize the danger, restrict access to weapons, and properly supervise their son, which led to catastrophic consequences.

He further claimed that they engaged in only superficial parenting, which resulted in their failure to respond to obvious behavioral deviations in time.

Stefanović said there is no justification or mitigating circumstances for Vladimir and Miljana Kecmanović, and that due to their omissions, severe consequences occurred not only for the victims but for society and the Republic of Serbia as a whole. He stated that the only fair and lawful outcome would be maximum prison sentences.

He emphasized that a society is measured by how it protects its children and how it responds when that protection fails, expressing confidence that the court will base its decision strictly on law and evidence.

The prosecutor also addressed Vladimir Kecmanović’s defense, noting his categorical denial of guilt, lack of remorse, and absence of reflection on the consequences of his actions and failures.

He argued that there are no mitigating circumstances for him, while aggravating circumstances are fully present.

The same position was taken regarding Miljana Kecmanović, whom he accused of denying responsibility and showing insensitivity toward victims during the trial.

For Vladimir Kecmanović, the prosecutor proposed a maximum sentence of 12 years for serious offenses against public safety and 3 years for child neglect and abuse, with a combined sentence of 14 years and 11 months, along with continued detention and confiscation of firearms.

For Miljana Kecmanović, he proposed a 3-year prison sentence for child neglect and abuse, as well as an extension of the restraining order preventing contact with her son.

He also requested that the court maintain restrictions on communication between her and the minor perpetrator, arguing that the circumstances justifying the measure still exist.

The defense and victims’ representatives are expected to present their closing arguments next, after which the court will schedule a date for the new first-instance verdict, following the partial annulment of the previous ruling by the Court of Appeal.