A 13-year-old boy who shocked Serbia by carrying out a deadly school shooting in May 2023 testified at his parents’ trial this week. The boy, who killed nine students and a school guard, cannot face criminal charges due to his age but appeared in court to speak against his parents, who are facing public safety charges. His father is accused of negligence for teaching his son how to use firearms and failing to secure the weapon used in the attack. His mother is also facing charges after her DNA was linked to one of the bullets.
The emotional trial has deeply affected the families of the victims, many of whom left the courtroom in tears. The closed-door hearing marks the boy’s first public appearance since being placed in a psychiatric institution following the tragic incident.
The trial has raised important questions about gun control and public safety in Serbia, a country with a high rate of gun ownership but few mass shootings. The Serbian government has since declared May 3 and 4 as Days of Remembrance for the victims.
