Accused Haris Kočan Claims Shooting of Marković Was an Accident

Accused of murder, Haris Kočan testified in the High Court of Podgorica that he did not intend to kill Radovan Marković, describing the incident as an “unfortunate accident.” Kočan stated that he accidentally discharged a firearm while attempting to check if it was loaded.

The incident in question occurred on March 3, 2024, when Kočan allegedly shot Marković, who was driving a vehicle at the time. Kočan faces serious charges, including an attempt to kill two individuals, Igor Mašanović and Nikola Drecun, using an RPG-7 rocket launcher on November 20, 2023.

During his court appearance, Kočan claimed that after realizing Marković had been hit, he pulled him from the car and leaned him against a tree, then ran to the main road to seek help. He asserted, “If I had intended to kill him, I would not have stayed at the scene or tried to assist him.” Kočan expressed remorse for the events that transpired.

He denied accusations related to the rocket launcher incident, stating that he had no connection to the attempted murders of Drecun and Mašanović. “I was under pressure and mistreated by the police during my testimony in the investigation,” he claimed.

His lawyer, Branko Anđelić, inquired about the circumstances surrounding Marković’s injury. Kočan recounted carrying Marković approximately 50 to 100 meters to a tree, where the injured man remained conscious and spoke with a police officer while waiting for emergency assistance.

Another defendant in the case, Vanja Burda, expressed regret over the incident, stating he did not intend to participate in any murder. “I came to Montenegro against my will. I was unaware of any plans,” he explained. Burda added that upon opening the trunk of a vehicle, he discovered fuel and was shocked when the shooting began. He supported Kočan’s claims, indicating that Kočan was not fully aware of the situation at the time.

According to the indictment, Kočan conspired with an unidentified individual to fire a projectile from an RPG-7 at a vehicle containing Drecun and Mašanović, allegedly for a financial reward between €40,000 and €70,000. The projectile reportedly struck the ground in front of the vehicle, preventing harm to the occupants.

The second charge pertains to the murder of Marković, who was shot while driving near Meterizi, close to the main road connecting Podgorica and Cetinje. Kočan is accused of firing multiple rounds from an automatic rifle while in the back seat of a vehicle, resulting in Marković sustaining fatal injuries from two bullets to the back.

The case continues to unfold in the Montenegrin legal system, with significant implications for all involved.