The Higher Court in Smederevo has handed down a first-instance verdict sentencing Zoran Janković (42) to 13 years in prison for the brutal murder of Igor Ivanović (37). The incident occurred in January last year after a party at Janković’s home, where following a heated argument, he stabbed his acquaintance multiple times with a knife. The victim suffered numerous wounds to the chest, neck, abdomen, and back. Shockingly, Janković then carried the body out into the yard and went back inside to sleep as if nothing had happened. The prosecution demanded the maximum sentence of 15 years, but the court decided otherwise.
What’s even more shocking is that during his defense, Janković claimed to remember nothing and was stunned when told the victim’s body was found in his yard. He also stated that besides alcohol, he was taking antidepressants, supposedly to treat alcoholism. However, at the time of arrest, his blood alcohol level was measured at 2.66 promille, and expert evaluation found he was in a state of diminished responsibility, though not significantly.
Neighbors describe Janković as a problematic man who loved to drink and cause chaos but would later apologize. His family has also faced hardships, including the death of a brother due to electrocution. This tragedy shines a harsh light on serious issues of alcoholism and violence in the community and raises the question of whether the punishment fits the brutal crime.
If you think this is the end of the story, think again — the prosecution has appealed, seeking a harsher sentence. What do you think about such verdicts? Is 13 years enough for murder, or has justice failed once more? Drop a comment and let the people’s voice be heard!
