Exactly 40 years ago, the Student City in Belgrade was shaken by a horrific tragedy that left a deep mark on the collective memory of the former SFR Yugoslavia. Svetlana Prokić, a young and promising fourth-year student of mathematics, mechanics, and astronomy, was brutally stabbed to death in front of her dormitory. The killer, Tafa Mehmeti, a student of applied informatics and statistics, persistently stalked Svetlana, who repeatedly rejected his attempts to start a relationship. His obsession and violent behavior culminated on the fateful night of July 2nd around 11:50 PM, when he stabbed Svetlana multiple times with a kitchen knife and then attempted to take his own life. Svetlana soon died at the Clinical Hospital Center Bežanijska Kosa, while Mehmeti survived with minor injuries.
This case was not only tragic but shocking because Mehmeti was known as a problematic individual in the Student City, even listed among 32 undesirable persons, yet he continued to live in the dormitory. The threats and harassment of Svetlana lasted for months, and the dormitory manager and police were aware of the situation but failed to take effective action. Mehmeti’s trial was marked by contradictory statements and claims of amnesia, which experts dismissed. Ultimately, the court sentenced Mehmeti to 20 years in prison for murder, while the public was outraged by the crime and demanded better protection for students.
This tragedy remains a warning and a reminder of the importance of timely response to violence and harassment, especially in student environments. Svetlana Prokić, a young and talented woman, lost her life due to delayed and insufficient protective measures, and her death still evokes sorrow and outrage. If you have thoughts on this case or similar stories, feel free to share — maybe your voice can spark change.
