A Serbian court recently convicted the parents of a 13-year-old boy who carried out a mass shooting at a primary school in Belgrade. The father was sentenced to 14 years and six months in prison for neglect and endangering public safety, while the mother received a three-year sentence for neglect. The shooter, their son, was too young to face trial under Serbian law. The parents were accused of failing to secure their firearms, which the boy used in the attack that resulted in the deaths of nine students and a school guard.
The tragic incident took place on May 3, 2023, at the Vladislav Ribnikar primary school, marking the first mass school shooting in Serbia’s history. The boy, armed with his father’s guns, opened fire in the school hallway before moving into a classroom to continue shooting. Despite the verdict, which some family members of the victims found unsatisfactory, the parents’ lawyer plans to appeal. The boy has been detained in a specialised institution since the shooting and testified during his parents’ trial, which was closed to the public except for the announcement of the verdict.
Following the school shooting, another mass shooting occurred near Belgrade the next day, where a 21-year-old used an automatic rifle to kill nine people and injure 12 more. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison earlier this month. The two shootings prompted widespread street protests and a national crackdown on illegal gun ownership in Serbia. A shooting instructor who provided false testimony during the trial was also sentenced to 15 months in prison, contributing to the legal fallout from the tragedies.
The parents’ lawyer expressed that the verdict was expected due to immense public pressure and high expectations surrounding the case. However, some families of the victims feel that no one has been held accountable for the deaths of nine children. The shooting incidents have deeply impacted Serbian society and highlighted the need for stricter gun control measures. The tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of preventing access to firearms, especially among minors.
The court’s decision to convict the parents for their role in the school shooting sends a strong message about accountability and responsibility in cases of neglect that lead to tragic outcomes. The legal repercussions faced by the parents and others involved in the incidents underscore the seriousness of firearm safety and the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar events from occurring in the future. As Serbia grapples with the aftermath of these devastating shootings, discussions about mental health support, school safety measures, and gun control policies are likely to take center stage in addressing the root causes of such violence and preventing future tragedies.
