Imagine a nightmare that lasted nearly a month in the quiet village of Sokolac near Bijelo Polje! Alija Balijagić, accused of double murder, is set to appear before the Higher Court in Bijelo Polje, and the story of his escape and the terror he caused is spreading like wildfire. On October 25 last year, Balijagić cold-bloodedly killed Milenka and Jovan Madžgalj in their home, shooting through the window with a hunting rifle while they were watching TV. But that’s not all – after the murder, he entered the house, ransacked it, stole several items, and then vanished. Residents of that part of the municipality lived in fear for almost a month while police hunted the armed fugitive. The fear spilled over into neighboring Serbian areas, with reports that he was hiding in abandoned houses. Finally, on November 21, Serbian police arrested him in the village of Pribojska Goleša, 27 days after the crime. Balijagić was immediately taken to the District Prison in Užice, and charges were filed against him for murder and illegal possession of weapons. His lawyer recently proposed a plea deal, claiming the murder was committed in a state of strong emotional disturbance due to mental instability and long-term imprisonment. This chilling saga reveals how dangerous it is when an armed fugitive roams free and justice moves slowly. Is it really possible for someone to evade capture for so long while people live in fear? And what does this case teach us about safety and justice in the region? Got thoughts or a wild story of your own? Share it — these tales shouldn’t be forgotten!
