The article reports on legal proceedings against Smodēj, a Slovenian artist associated with the Fotopub collective, based on allegations of sexual assault and other crimes. According to a report by POP TV, the charges against him were finalized this year after multiple failed attempts by the court to serve him due to his absence abroad. The charges are built on testimonies from two victims, while police initially identified nine victims. The alleged incidents date back to 2016, including sexual assault involving threats of death, forced sexual relations, and drug coercion. Another incident in 2021 involved physical abuse with industrial flame, causing severe burns, followed by cigarette burning on the victim. The accuser described these acts as resulting in deep burns and extreme pain. Smodēj has denied the accusations through a legal statement on Info360. The Fotopub scandal erupted in August 2022 after anonymous social media posts revealed misconduct within the group he led. Following the controversy, which sparked public outrage, the collective disbanded, and Smodēj continued his artistic career abroad.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the case as a serious criminal matter with significant societal impact, emphasizing the severity of the alleged crimes and the public backlash. It highlights the legal process and the involvement of victims, suggesting a left-leaning perspective by focusing on accountability and a





