Niš former mayor Dragana Sotirovski faces corruption trial

The trial of Dragana Sotirovski, the former mayor of Niš, has faced delays. Originally scheduled to begin with a closed preparatory hearing, the proceedings were postponed due to the defendant's health reasons.

Sotirovski is accused of prolonged abuse of official position. The prosecution alleges she caused damages to the city budget exceeding 250 million dinars and obtained illegal property benefits totaling 112 million dinars. The indictment claims she used her position to engage companies, specifically ‘Vodomonteri’ and ‘Sim puk gradnja’, for construction works at prices significantly higher than market value.

Previous attempts to start the trial were hindered by legal challenges, including requests from the defense to recuse the Niš judiciary and the presiding judge, Sasha Dujaković. These requests were denied. Sotirovski is currently under house arrest after being released from detention late last year. Her associates have reportedly entered plea agreements with the prosecution.