Family Outraged by Lenient Sentencing in Tragic Crash Case

A recent court ruling has ignited outrage from the family of a seventeen-year-old girl who died following a car accident in Podgorica. The court sentenced N. S., aged 52, to six months of house arrest, while E. G., aged 20, received two educational measures and a two-year ban from driving. This decision stems from an incident that occurred on April 21, 2023, when E. G. was driving nearly double the speed limit, resulting in the tragic death of T. Đ..

The accident took place around 23:50 in the Stari Aerodrom neighborhood at the intersection of Bulevar Josipa Broza Tita and Zmaj Jovine Street. At the time of the crash, E. G. was behind the wheel of an Audi A3, traveling at a speed of 114 km/h, despite the area’s speed limit of 50 km/h. T. Đ., a passenger in the vehicle, suffered severe injuries and succumbed to her wounds on May 4, 2023, thirteen days after the accident.

According to the prosecution, which was led by Armina Selmanović, both defendants exhibited reckless driving behavior. The charge against them included conscious negligence, as they were aware their actions could lead to dire consequences but acted carelessly. The investigation revealed that both drivers contributed to the collision; N. S. failed to ensure it was safe to turn left, while E. G. exceeded the speed limit significantly.

Family’s Response to the Verdict

The family of T. Đ. expressed their deep disappointment with the court’s ruling, describing it as a troubling precedent. They believe this decision sends a dangerous message to young drivers, suggesting they can drive recklessly without facing serious consequences. The family articulated their concern, stating, “This ruling implies that young people can drive irresponsibly and take lives without repercussions.”

The mother of the deceased girl emphasized her belief that the sentence was far too lenient. “For driving over 100 kilometers per hour where only 50 is allowed, E. G. received a measure of increased parental supervision,” she lamented, calling the ruling “shocking and dangerous.” The family fears that the message conveyed by the verdict encourages reckless behavior among youth.

They also criticized E. G. for her actions following the tragedy, saying she displayed a lack of genuine remorse. Reports indicate that she posted videos on social media, smiling, even as legal proceedings were unfolding. A family member noted, “If she had any sense of guilt, she wouldn’t be taking pictures at the crash site where our T. lost her life.”

Legal Implications and Next Steps

Despite the family’s discontent, they are unable to appeal the ruling. However, the higher public prosecutor’s office in Podgorica has yet to announce whether they will pursue further action in this case. Observers note that the circumstances surrounding the case underscore a broader issue regarding accountability in traffic incidents involving young drivers.

The family’s frustration is compounded by the fact that E. G. was driving without a license at the time of the accident, having taken her family’s car without permission. They argue that her behavior represents a disregard for the law, further underscoring their belief that the court’s decision fails to address the seriousness of her actions.

As the family seeks justice for their loss, they continue to call for stricter penalties for reckless driving, particularly among minors. They hope that their experience will highlight the need for reforms in traffic legislation to prevent future tragedies and ensure that such behavior is met with appropriate consequences.