The Appellate Court in Belgrade will review appeals tomorrow against the verdict sentencing Vladimir and Miljana Kecmanović to multi-year prison terms for crimes related to the killing of nine peers at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School. Vladimir Kecmanović was sentenced to 14.5 years in prison, while Miljana Kecmanović received a three-year sentence for neglect and abuse of a minor. The third accused, shooting instructor Nemanja Marinković, was sentenced to 15 months for giving false testimony. The first-instance trial was closed to the public, and the court will decide whether the public will be allowed during the appeal hearing. The boy who committed the crime was under 14 years old at the time and is not criminally responsible. On May 3, he shot with his father’s pistols at school, killing 10 people and injuring five children and a history teacher.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports emphasize the systemic failures that led to the tragedy, focusing on the neglect and abuse by the parents, and the need for better child protection and mental health support. They highlight the social context and call for reforms in the justice system to better handle juvenile offenders.
Center: Center-leaning coverage focuses on the legal proceedings and the details of the case, presenting the facts of the sentencing and appeals without much editorializing. They emphasize the judicial process, the roles of the accused, and the legal responsibilities, maintaining a neutral tone.
Right: Right-leaning narratives stress law and order, supporting the sentences given and emphasizing the severity of the crime despite the perpetrator being a minor. They focus on the accountability of the parents and the need for strict punishment to deter such crimes, often highlighting the protection of victims and public safety.