After nearly four years since the outbreak of the Fotopub scandal, Dušan Smodej has finally appeared before the court on Monday, marking the beginning of his trial. The proceedings took place behind closed doors at the district court in Ljubljana due to concerns over the privacy of the victims. Smodej, who was accused of sexual abuse, enabling the use of prohibited drugs, causing physical injuries, and two counts of fraud, participated remotely via video link from abroad. This marked a significant moment as the case had been under investigation since August 2022 when anonymous allegations began circulating online about alleged misconduct involving minors and other forms of exploitation at the Fotopub club, which Smodej once managed.
The court hearing was held in private after the prosecution requested the exclusion of the public to protect the personal lives of the victims. One of the victims was underage at the time of the alleged incidents. Both the defense lawyer, Miloš Zarić, and Smodej himself agreed with this request. The prosecution, represented by senior state prosecutor Darko Novak, also supported keeping the public out of the main proceedings. Three representatives of the public were present initially but had to leave the courtroom after the decision to close the session. The trial is expected to continue on August 19, according to Zarić, citing procedural reasons for the postponement.
Smodej denied all accusations immediately after the scandal erupted, claiming he was a victim of blackmail. However, the number and consistency of testimonies, particularly regarding the nature of the alleged practices, have raised serious doubts. The scandal gained momentum quickly, spreading across social media and sparking discussions in both mainstream media and political circles. It further intensified following the death of Roman Uranjek, the founder of the art collective IRWIN, whose involvement in the Fotopub scene had previously been questioned.
The police launched an extensive investigation after the scandal broke, conducting over 80 interviews with witnesses and reviewing more than 5,000 online posts. They filed multiple criminal charges against Smodej, including suspicion of violating sexual integrity, enabling the use of prohibited drugs, and causing severe bodily harm. In January of the following year, the Ljubljana district prosecutors' office initiated an investigation and concluded it shortly thereafter. The police added another charge of fraud during this period.
The mention of "Fotopub" stirred controversy within leftist political circles in Slovenia, especially among members of the coalition party Levica. Initially, Luka Mesec, coordinator of the party, claimed he had no connection with Smodej and had never attended any events at Fotopub. However, videos surfaced online showing him socializing with Smodej near the Fotopub venue on Tivolska Street in Ljubljana and entering the premises. Online photos also depicted Smodej alongside Culture Minister Asta Vrečko, suggesting they had conducted an interview after her appointment. These connections have repeatedly caused unease among both Vrečko and Mesec whenever the Fotopub affair is mentioned in public debates.
The Fotopub scandal erupted in August 2022 when anonymous claims appeared on social media about activities around the club that Smodej ran. Following the scandal, which shocked Slovenian cultural and broader public spheres, Smodej dissolved the club and continued his artistic career abroad, primarily in Italy and France. Separate charges of fraud were also brought against him. The initial trial date was set exactly a month ago, but the court granted the defense's request to postpone it, citing late delivery of the summons, which Smodej received only on May 28. He informed the court that he was in France, where he had a signed contract from May 25 to June 12, and that he would participate in the preliminary hearing in any way possible, even via video conference. The court also asked for reimbursement of travel costs should he need to come to Slovenia. On the day of the hearing, Smodej did not disclose his current location but stated he had obtained his visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the embassy.
3 reports
DomovinaIndependentLeft11 hr. agoThe article discusses the ongoing legal proceedings against Dušan Smodej, who was involved in the 'Fotopub' scandal that emerged in August 2022. The case has been delayed for nearly four years due to concerns over the privacy of victims, with Smodej participating via video call during the preliminary investigation. The charges include two counts of sexual assault, causing bodily harm, and enabling the consumption of prohibited drugs. The scandal initially gained attention through anonymous allegations on social media, which detailed sexual coercion, psychological manipulation, and financial fraud. These claims were later corroborated by numerous testimonies and online content, leading to police investigations and multiple criminal complaints. The scandal also sparked public debate and raised questions about potential connections between Smodej and leftist political circles, including the ruling coalition party Levica. Despite initial denials from political figures like Luka Mesec and Asto Vrečko, evidence surfaced suggesting ties between Smodej and these groups.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the scandal within broader political discourse, highlighting potential links between Smodej and leftist political structures, particularly Levica. While the focus is on the legal aspects of the case, the emphasis on political implications and the involvement of high-profile left-w
DeloIndependent🔒Center15 hr. agoThe preliminary hearing for Dušan Josip Smodej, accused in the Fotopub case, was held behind closed doors at the Ljubljana District Court. The court decided to exclude the public due to the need to protect the personal lives of both victims, one of whom was underage at the time of the alleged crime. Smodej participated remotely from abroad via video conference. His lawyer, Miloš Zarić, confirmed that the preliminary hearing would likely continue on August 19 due to procedural reasons. Smodej has denied all allegations since the scandal erupted nearly four years ago, and the indictment against him became final this March. Initially scheduled a month ago, the hearing was postponed after Smodej received his invitation late, leaving him less than eight days to prepare his defense. He informed the court he was working in France under contract and would participate in any form, including via videoconference. The Fotopub scandal began in August 2022 when anonymous testimonies appeared online about incidents around the club Smodej managed. Following the scandal, Smodej dissolved the club and continued his artistic career abroad, while separate charges of fraud were filed against him.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the legal proceedings involving Smodej, detailing the court's decision to hold the hearing behind closed doors, the reasons provided by the court, and the involvement of both the prosecution and defense. It includes quotes from Smodej’s attorney and doesnot
Nova24TVParty-alignedLeft15 hr. agoThe article reports on a postponed court hearing for Dušan Josip Smodej, who is accused in the 'Fotopub' scandal involving sexual abuse, enabling illegal drug use, and causing bodily harm. The hearing was closed to the public to protect the privacy of two victims, one of whom was a minor at the time of the alleged offenses. The court session took place behind closed doors due to concerns over confidentiality, with Smodej participating remotely from France where he had a work contract until June 12th. The case has become a symbol of slow and opaque responses to abuse cases when the perpetrator comes from the left wing. The scandal emerged in August 2022 after anonymous social media posts revealed activities around the club Smodej led. The club was subsequently dissolved, while Smodej continued his artistic career abroad.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the case as emblematic of systemic failures in addressing abuse by individuals from the left wing, implying a broader societal issue rather than focusing solely on legal procedures. It emphasizes the lack of transparency and speed in handling such cases, which aligns with leftwing
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