Son, father each sentenced to 20 years in prison in Malo Orasje/Dubona massacre case

BELGRADE - The Higher Court in Smederevo on Thursday sentenced Uros Blazic to 20 years in prison for killing nine people and wounding 12 others in a shooting spree in the Malo Orasje and Dubona villages on May 4-5, 2023.

For the criminal offences of aggravated murder, illegal possession of firearms, kidnapping and unauthorised use of another person's vehicle, Blazic was sentenced to 20, ten, another ten and three years in prison, respectively, but received a unified sentence of a maximum 20 years in prison as he was under the age of 21 at the time he committed the crimes.

His father Radisa was handed a unified sentence of 20 years in prison after being sentenced to 12 years in prison for the criminal offence of illicit manufacture, possession, carrying and distribution of arms and explosive matters and to 10 years in prison for a serious crime against general safety.

Radisa Blazic, who has denied any wrongdoing, was found guilty of illegally acquiring firearms, ammunition and explosive devices that Uros Blazic later used to commit the massacre.

Radisa Blazic was also found to have stored the firearms in an inappropriate manner before his son came into possession of them.

Time spent in custody will count towards their prison sentences.

The first-instance ruling may be appealed by the prosecutors and the defence.