Montenegro Supreme Court upholds 40-year sentence for Alija Balijagić

The Supreme Court of Montenegro has rejected the appeals of Alija Balijagić and his defense, upholding a 40-year prison sentence for the murder of Jovan and Milenka Madžgalj. The ruling confirms previous decisions from the Appellate Court and the High Court in Bijelo Polje.

Balijagić was found guilty of the premeditated murders committed on October 25, 2024, in Sokolac, Bijelo Polje. The court determined that he acted in a deceptive manner by falsely presenting himself as a hunter to gain entry to the victims' home. After being hosted, he returned later that night and used a hunting rifle, which he possessed illegally, to shoot Jovan Madžgalj and Milenka Madžgalj.

The court rejected arguments regarding the defendant's mental capacity, noting that psychiatric and psychological evaluations identified an antisocial personality disorder but did not indicate a mental illness that would impair his ability to understand his actions or control his behavior. The court concluded that the 40-year sentence is proportionate to the severity of the crimes and the degree of guilt.