Branislav Zeljković corruption trial enters fourth year without verdict

The trial regarding the “Corona contracts” affair, involving former Director of the Institute for Public Health of Republika Srpska Branislav Zeljković, has continued for nearly four years without a verdict in sight.

Zeljković faces charges of abuse of office, bribery, and conscientious work in service, with allegations that pandemic-era procurements caused 1.3 million marks in damages to the Republika Srpska budget. Other defendants include Slavko Bojić (Procontrol), Dragan Dubravac (Promeding), Saša Marković (Travel for Fun), and Sani Crljić (Sineks laboratorija).

Saša Marković has reached a plea agreement with the prosecution, admitting to bribery. His sentence includes 10 months in prison and the return of 578,000 marks in illicit gains. Despite the prosecution finishing its witness testimony in May of last year, the defense witnesses have not yet been heard, leading to concerns that a verdict will not be reached within this year.