Izvor: N1 televizija, 31.Maj.2018, 14:11 (ažurirano 02.Apr.2020.)
First whistle-blowing case in Serbia ends in court ruling
Former chief inspector in Serbia’s northern city of Novi Sad got a suspended sentence for his involvement in corruption three years after a whistle-blower had exposed him.
In a plea bargain, Vladimir Balaban admitted abuse of office and a judge passed a verdict of a year and a half in jail suspended for four years, the Pistaljka (Whistle) website reported.
The case marked the first-ever final verdict in Serbia since the Law on Whistler Blower Protection came into force >> Pročitaj celu vest na sajtu N1 televizija << in June 2015 in Serbia.
Three years ago, Marija Beretka pointed at Balaban’s illegal activities and he harassed her by transferring her at different workplaces.
Beretka did not give up and helped by Pistaljka websitećs legal team manage to bring Balaban to justice.
The court finds him guilty of abusing the office, excessive use of authority and securing benefit to the third parties while he was an acting chief of Novi Sad Communal Inspection Department.
He was found guilty of 28 cases in which he stopped procedures for misdemeanours, like improper parking, between January and February 2015.
The court also ruled that the City of Novi Sad had to pay some 850 Euros to Beretka in compensation for insulting her honour and dignity.
