The teenager, who committed a mass murder in a school in Belgrade last year, as of today has the status of a victim in the trial against his parents, TANYUG informs.
This was announced to journalists after the closed trial by the lawyer of the boy’s parents, Irina Borovich.
“From today, K.K. officially has the status of a victim (…). From today, the High Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade protects his rights and interests,” said Borovic.
The boy received such status because the indictment against his parents was expanded to include a charge of neglect and abuse of a minor.
On May 3 last year, the teenager killed nine students and a security guard with two pistols owned by his father in a mass shooting at the Vladislav Rybnikar school in downtown Belgrade. All the time after the mass murder, the minor K. K. is in a psychiatric clinic. He is not responsible before the law, as he was under 14 at the time of the attack.
In October, the boy testified in the trial against his parents, Miljana and Vladimir Ketsmanovic.
In Belgrade today, the trial against the parents continued with the presentation of the defense.
Vladimir Ketsmanovic today denied having committed the crime of neglecting and abusing a minor. He refused to answer questions from the defense and the prosecution.
In addition to this accusation, the father is charged with a “serious crime against public security”, and the mother with the crime of “illegal possession and carrying of a weapon”, according to TANYUG, quoted by BTA.
Since the mass murder, the father is in custody, and her mother is forbidden to meet and communicate with her son. The defendants are also the owner and instructor of a shooting club where, according to the indictment, the minor student learned to shoot with his father.
What factors contribute to a teenager being labeled as both a perpetrator and a victim in legal cases involving youth violence?
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We have a very sensitive and complex topic to discuss regarding the recent trial in Belgrade. We’re here with Dr. Elena Jovanovic, a renowned psychologist specializing in juvenile criminal behavior. Dr. Jovanovic, thank you for being with us.
Dr. Elena Jovanovic (EJ): Thank you for having me. It’s a difficult but important subject to discuss.
TNE: Indeed. To start, can you provide some context about the current situation of the teenager who was involved in the mass murder incident? How significant is it that he has been granted the status of a victim in the ongoing trial against his parents?
EJ: This is a fascinating yet troubling development. By being recognized as a victim, the legal system is acknowledging the complexity of his situation. Often, in cases of youth violence, the individual may also be a product of their environment. The teenager, K.K., may have experienced neglect or abuse, and this legal recognition hints at a broader understanding of his circumstances.
TNE: That makes sense. The announcement was made by the lawyer of K.K.’s parents, indicating that the High Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade will now be involved in protecting his rights. What implications does this have for the trial?
EJ: This indicates that the prosecution is becoming more holistic in its approach. It recognizes not just the actions of K.K. but also the familial context in which those actions occurred. It suggests potential charges against his parents may reflect their role, or lack thereof, in providing a supportive environment, which is crucial during formative years.
TNE: It’s an interesting legal strategy. How might this status affect K.K.’s mental health moving forward, especially considering the trauma from both the incident and the ongoing trial?
EJ: Granting him the status of a victim could provide some mental health benefits. It may facilitate access to counseling and psychological support, which can be critical in helping him process the trauma related to the incident and its aftermath. However, it also places him in a spotlight that could exacerbate his stress and anxiety. Balancing these factors is essential.
TNE: Right. There seems to be a duality here. Many people may struggle to see K.K. as a victim due to his actions. In your opinion, how can society better understand the psychology behind such violent acts in youth?
EJ: Education and awareness are key. Society often rushes to label someone solely based on their actions, ignoring underlying issues like mental health challenges, social pressures, or even family dynamics. By fostering discussions on the psychology of youth violence, we can begin to dismantle the stigma and build a more compassionate understanding of these tragic incidents. This could prevent future occurrences as well.
TNE: That’s a powerful point, Dr. Jovanovic. Lastly, what recommendations would you give to parents and educators to help mitigate these issues in the future?
EJ: Communication is vital. Parents should foster open lines of dialogue with their children, creating an environment where they feel safe expressing their feelings and experiences. Additionally, educators must be trained to recognise signs of distress or behavioral changes in students. Early intervention can make a world of difference in steering kids away from violence.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Jovanovic, for this insightful discussion. It’s important to keep these conversations going, especially as we navigate the complexities of juvenile behavior and our responsibility as a society.
EJ: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we continue to engage with these topics thoughtfully.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to this important conversation. Until next time.