Parents On Trial After Teen Boy Shoots Dead 10 Kids At Serbia School

Serbia bears witness to a sobering reality: it boasts the highest level of gun ownership in the entire continent. This ominous distinction recently took centre stage when a horrifying incident unfolded: the parents of a 13-year-old school shooter are now set to face trial in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, as the repercussions of their son's deadly spree continue to make headlines.

The Tragic Episode

Last May, a 13-year-old boy, whose identity remains protected under Serbian law, claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including nine of his innocent classmates. The shockwaves of this heinous act reverberated far beyond the walls of the school, sending ripples of grief, anger, and disbelief throughout the country., unleashed a hail of bullets that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including nine classmates. This tragic event not only sent shockwaves through the Balkan nation but also triggered a wave of public outrage that coalesced into a formidable opposition coalition.

The Prosecution's Case

As the trial unfolds, the Belgrade public prosecutor's office asserts serious charges against the suspected shooter's father. In a chilling revelation, it is alleged that the father not only trained his son in the use of firearms but also negligently failed to secure his weapons. This lapse allowed the young assailant to clandestinely carry a handgun and 92 bullets in his backpack, which he later used to devastating effect.

The accused's mother, too, faces charges related to the illegal possession of ammunition. The legal scrutiny extends beyond the family, with the head of a Serbian shooting club and an instructor implicated for providing false testimony, highlighting the complexities surrounding this tragic incident.

Despite the horrifying nature of the crime, Serbian law deems the young shooter not criminally liable due to his tender age.

Public Outcry and Government Response

The aftermath of the shootings saw unprecedented anti-government protests across Serbian cities, challenging the very fabric of the nation's leadership. , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pledged to tackle the issue head-on, vowing to implement stringent measures aimed at curbing both legal and illicit firearms within the country. However, his words were met with scepticism and dissent as citizens took to the streets in protest, demanding not only accountability but also systemic change within the corridors of power. Tens of thousands took to the streets, demanding the resignation of top officials and a staunch curtailment of violence in the media.

President Aleksandar Vucic's response, dismissing the protests as a "political" stunt and weaving conspiracy theories about foreign intervention, only served to further intensify the public outcry.

 Serbia's Gun Ownership Quandary

At the heart of this tragedy, let's reflect on Serbia's complex relationship with firearms—a nation where the right to bear arms is deeply ingrained within the fabric of society. With a staggering ratio of over 39 firearms per 100 civilians, according to the Small Arms Survey project, Serbia boasts the highest level of gun ownership in Europe—a statistic that serves as a source of contention among its citizens.

While the trial unfolds, Serbia finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the consequences of unchecked gun ownership, parental accountability, and the resilience of a society scarred by a tragedy that shook its very foundations.