Ljubljana police officers plead not guilty in fatal intervention case

Three police officers pleaded not guilty during a preliminary hearing at the Ljubljana District Court regarding the death of 37-year-old Armin Đutović. The incident occurred on December 8, 2024, on Čopova Street in Ljubljana, when officers used force during an intervention against a man who was resisting arrest. Đutović lost consciousness during the procedure and died in the hospital three days later.

The Specialized State Prosecutor's Office has filed charges against six officers. Jan Dovnik is charged with causing death through negligence, specifically regarding the use of forceful pressure on the throat which can obstruct airways. Five other officers—Marko Goleš, Nika Marčič, Maja Vojsk, Tomaž Podobnik, and Tomi Brdnik—face charges of failure to render aid.

While Goleš, Marčič, and Vojsk denied guilt on Friday, the remaining three defendants are expected to enter their pleas in the coming weeks. The victim's family has previously stated that the Ministry of the Interior acknowledged the use of force was illegal, unprofessional, and disproportionate.