Leon Lučić faces attempted murder trial in Croatia

Actor and former police officer Leon Lučić, 54, appeared at the Velika Gorica County Court to face charges of attempted murder following a shooting in the Središće neighborhood of Zagreb last year. Lučić and his co-defendant, Dino Vekić, 41, both denied the charges during the initial hearing.

Lučić testified that he did not intend to kill the victim, Denis M., but rather shot him in the knee in response to threats made against him and his family. He cited his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a factor, describing it not as a disease of aggression, but as a condition involving fear, nightmares, and melancholy. He stated he was willing to reach a plea deal for economic reasons but rejected the prosecution's offer because he refused to let his PTSD be characterized as a disease of aggression.

Vekić is accused of assisting Lučić in fleeing the scene. The victim, Denis M., has indicated through legal counsel that he is not seeking property-related damages. Lučić's wife has submitted a statement requesting that he be allowed to remain in house arrest within their shared household due to their family situation.