Former Maribor Mayor Cleared of Suspicion in Two Cases

Ljubljana, 4 June - The Maribor District Court has reportedly decided not to launch inquiries into two cases of alleged corruption targeted in police raids against Maribor Mayor Franc Kangler that made headlines in May 2011.

According to a report in Tuesday's edition of daily Delo, the cases are related to the sale of municipal land for the construction of an orthodox church in Maribor and a contract with wireless internet and software supplier.

The prosecution's request for a judicial inquiry in the two cases was turned down by the judging panel of the Maribor District Court after it had been rejected also by the investigating judge. Both argue that the suspicions of wrongdoing are not justified.

The prosecution accused Kangler of intervening with the director and chief legal officer of the municipal construction land management company to sell land to the local Serbian Orthodox Church in 2008 to the detriment of the Maribor municipality, alleging over half a million euros in damage.

The prosecution also alleged that in exchange for the deal, Orthodox Church official Radivoj Vasić promised Kangler to be endorsed by influential members of the Orthodox community in the mayoral election.

The prosecution also had its request turned down in connection to the municipality's contract with company MC Line to supply and maintain software and to set up wireless internet and CCTV.

The prosecution can appeal against the court's decision with the Higher Court.

Kangler, who was forced to resign at the end of 2012 under pressure of massive public protests sparked off by the erection of speed traps, is subject to a series of criminal reports. He was sentenced to seven months in prison two weeks ago for awarding a flat intended for municipality employees to a clairvoyant.

ep/eho
© STA, 2013