Montenegro's 'Carbon Credits' Trial: SDT Seeks to Revoke Key Witness Status

SDT Proposes Revocation of Cooperating Witness Status

The Special State Prosecutor's Office (SDT) in Montenegro has formally proposed to the Higher Court in Podgorica the revocation of Đorđe Đurđić's cooperating witness status in the ongoing 'Carbon Credits' trial. This development could significantly impact the prosecution's case, which centers on allegations against main defendant Duško Knežević and others. The judge presiding over the case has indicated that a decision on this proposal will be announced at the next main hearing.

Defense Arguments and Legal Precedent

The proposal from the SDT follows persistent arguments from the defense attorneys for Duško Knežević, Dražen Medojević and Dušan Radosavljević. They contended as early as March that Đurđić should not hold cooperating witness status, asserting that he was not a member of a criminal organization, which is a legal prerequisite for such a designation. According to the defense, Đurđić's statements primarily referenced a single loan, failing to demonstrate broader involvement in the alleged criminal activities.

Lawyer Dušan Radosavljević highlighted what he described as an 'absurd situation,' noting that Đorđe Đurđić holds varying statuses—including cooperating witness, ordinary witness, and having a plea agreement—across different cases involving Knežević.

The 'Carbon Credits' Case: Allegations and Financial Implications

The 'Carbon Credits' trial involves an indictment against Duško Knežević, Predrag Dašić, Zoran Nikolić, Brankica Bašović, and Biljana Bašović. The indictment alleges that these individuals caused damage to the legal entity 'Global Karbon' DOO Podgorica and unlawfully obtained benefits totaling 1,942,000 euros. These alleged illicit gains reportedly came from several entities, including 'Fin Invest,' 'Atlas Group,' and RTV 'Atlas.'

The case is set against the backdrop of Montenegro's emissions trading scheme, which was introduced in February 2020. This scheme established a minimum price of EUR 24 per tonne of CO2 and has been subject to scrutiny, including a controversial transfer of EUR 17 million from the state-owned electricity company EPCG to the KAP aluminum plant.

Upcoming Court Date and Potential Impact

The trial is scheduled to continue on October 1st at the Higher Court in Podgorica, with Judge Igor Đuričković presiding. The court's decision regarding Đurđić's cooperating witness status is highly anticipated, as it could significantly influence the trajectory and outcome of the 'Carbon Credits' trial. Should his status be revoked, statements previously given by Đurđić during the investigation might be deemed legally invalid evidence.