Lazović: Proof of the helplessness and frustration of the prosecution and police - they could not find anything, so they photographed my clothes and shoes at home

Former senior police official Zoran Lazović stated that the fact investigators filmed and photographed his clothes and footwear during a search of his house in Podgorica is proof of the helplessness of the Special State Prosecutor’s Office and the police, as they were unable to find anything despite their efforts.

Lazović made these remarks during the continuation of his trial before the High Court in Podgorica on June 18, when the reading of evidence from the indictment continued.

One of the pieces of evidence presented was the report on the search of Zoran Lazović’s house in Podgorica.

The former police official stressed that investigators had tried in every possible way to find something against him but had failed.

- The fact that they filmed my clothing and footwear is proof of the helplessness and disappointment of the prosecution and the police. They did not find any tomahawks, any plots of state-owned land, hotels, casinos, or exotic destinations. Even though they filmed the walls and searched for hidden compartments, they did not find what they hoped would allow them to portray me as a monster. They tried every possible way to find something compromising, but they failed - Lazović said.

He added that the paintings taken from his home were works by artist Petar Gazivoda, and not by Petar Lubarda or another artist whose works would have significantly greater artistic value.

„SPD officers acted outside the judge’s warrant“

Defense attorney Zoran Piperović stated that he did not understand the term „criminal-technical inspection“.

- This was not a technical inspection, but rather police action outside the scope of the High Court’s warrant, which Judge Šćepanović, who issued the warrant, told me over the phone. When I informed the Special Police Department (SDP) officers that the judge said they were exceeding the scope of his order, they replied that they were acting on the prosecutor’s instructions - Lazović’s defense lawyer said.

Piperović pointed out that investigators photographed Lazović’s clothing and footwear during the search, adding that this was something he had never encountered in his legal career.

- All the paintings that were hanging on the walls were removed and taken away, even though they do not possess significant artistic value - Piperović added.

When evidence concerning reports from the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption regarding Lazović’s property was presented, Lazović said that he had regularly reported income generated from his estate both while working at the National Security Agency and later in the police force.

- It is true that I did not register a farm with the Ministry of Agriculture because I did not receive any state benefits or subsidies. Neither did my father. If there are 100 sheep in my flock, it is understandable that there are also 100 lambs. I regularly gave written consent for my accounts and income to be reviewed every year while I was in the NSA and afterward. Members of the SPD themselves were able to see the extent of my estate and that it is capable of generating income - Lazović emphasized.

One of Lazović’s defense attorneys, Stefan Jovanović, added that this evidence also demonstrates that Lazović complied with the law and submitted his reports on a regular basis.