Justice for Katarina and Stjepan
Dear friends,
On April 9, 2024, our world changed forever. It was the day when my mother and I lost Katarina and Stjepan in a severe car accident. We are compelled to share with you the painful facts that came to light after the decision of the Municipal Court in Dubrovnik and the expert assessment of the court traffic expert.
The accident in which my brother and sister lost their lives occurred near Slano. My brother Stjepan was driving a VW Golf, while the accused, twenty-nine-year-old Klevisa Ymeri, was driving a BMW XM. According to the expert's report, the accused was driving at 90 km/h at the time of impact, while Stjepan was driving at 40 km/h. I emphasize—at the moment of the collision, which means her speed was much higher before causing the accident by overtaking, resulting in a head-on collision and fatal consequences. According to the expert’s assessment, my brother was driving following the regulations.
The accused’s lawyer stated that out of respect for the victims, they did not object to Ymeri being in pre-trial detention, but now claim that the extension of pre-trial detention is a result of public and media pressure and that it is falsely stated she was driving at 170 km/h.
We believe these claims do not alter the facts about the recklessness and disregard of the driver, which are documented. The testimony of the driver of a Peugeot, whom the accused was overtaking, further supports our claims. The witness stated that two vehicles were traveling behind him, a Mercedes and the accused’s BMW, which improperly began overtaking without checking for safety. During the overtaking, she ended up in a "scissors" between the witness's car and the vehicle containing Stjepan and Katarina, resulting in a head-on collision.
Despite all clear evidence, the court decided to release the accused from pre-trial detention on a 70,000-euro bail after only three months in custody. Although initially detained due to the risk of fleeing, the decision is changed to so-called maximum measures for unknown reasons even though the circumstances have not changed! Judge Dubravka Đivanović states: "The defendant is a citizen of the Republic of Albania, is neither related nor engaged in business with Croatia, so she could if she were free, leave Croatia and live and work in her home country because Albania is not an EU member and is not obliged to extradite its citizens..." The judge then continues: "Pre-trial detention can be achieved by less severe measures, such as setting bail of 70,000 euros in cash, which, if paid, can replace pre-trial detention."
Sorry, Judge, but we do not understand! If pre-trial detention was imposed due to the risk of fleeing and avoiding responsibility, how can that risk no longer exist? Bail does not ensure the accused will not flee and leave the country illegally. This decision does not provide security or justice but allows her to evade responsibility!
This tragic event must not go unnoticed and without just punishment! We demand justice for our loved ones and appropriate punishment for the accused to prevent such tragedies from happening again. Nothing will bring back Stjepan and Katarina, but we want justice for them!
Your support is essential; please share this message and help us ensure that those responsible face consequences for their actions. We urge you to help raise awareness about the importance of road safety and respect for the law.
May the memory of Katarina and Stjepan, their smiles, love, and kindness live forever in our hearts.
Rest in peace, our dear ones. ✝️🤍
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Viktor Derek Contact the author of the petition