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Indictment for two counts of fraud in the Fotopub case
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsCenter22 days ago

Indictment for two counts of fraud in the Fotopub case

The Ljubljana District Court has ordered the filing of an indictment against Dušan Josip Smodej in connection with two alleged acts of fraud related to the Fotopub affair. The charges stem from suspected misuse of public funds. The police filed the indictment in December 2023 at the Ljubljana District Prosecution Office. During the investigation into the Fotopub scandal, which began in August 2022, Ljubljana detectives noted that alongside the investigation into sexual misconduct, there was also an inquiry into the misuse of public funds. It is known that Fotopub received around €52,000 from the Ministry of Culture between 2018 and 2021 for the Festivalpub project and €2,200 in 2015. According to reports by Delo, Smodej managed a performance art project funded by the City of Ljubljana but did not submit his final report in 2022, leading to a request for the return of €4,000. However, he did not receive the letter. Details regarding the specific damages caused by the alleged frauds and who suffered them remain unclear. Smodej has remained silent about the allegations since the Fotopub scandal, which stirred both cultural and broader public opinion in Slovenia.

Ljubljansko okrajno sodišče has ordered the delivery of an indictment against Dušan Josip Smodej, the former leader of the cultural organization Fotopub, for two counts of fraud. The indictment, which relates to alleged misuse of public funds, was filed in December 2023 with the Ljubljana district prosecution office. However, the indictment has not yet been served to Smodej, who remains abroad. The charges stem from an investigation into the alleged improper use of public money by Fotopub, a cultural association based in Ljubljana. According to reports, Fotopub received nearly 53,000 euros from the Ministry of Culture between 2018 and 2021 for its Festivalpub project, and an additional 2,200 euros in 2015. Smodej is accused of misusing these funds, particularly through a project titled "Slovenski pasijon" or "Krst na Triglavu," which he submitted to the City of Ljubljana's municipal tender. He did not submit his final report on this project by 2022, leading the city to issue a request for the return of 4,000 euros in co-financing. This request went unanswered, and the city eventually terminated the contract and co-financing for 2022. Smodej is also facing separate legal proceedings in Ljubljana for alleged sexual assault, enabling the consumption of prohibited drugs, and causing bodily harm. These charges arose following anonymous testimonies from victims alleging that Smodej used the drug GHB to incapacitate young women during events organized by Fotopub, after which they were sexually and physically abused. Police conducted more than 80 interviews and reviewed over 5,000 online posts as part of their investigation. Smodej denied all allegations and fled to foreign countries, continuing his artistic career in Italy and France. He participated in a preliminary hearing in early July via video link from abroad. The investigation into alleged financial misconduct began shortly after the Fotopub scandal erupted in August 2022. At that time, police indicated that while the primary focus was on crimes related to sexual violence, there was also an ongoing inquiry into the misuse of public funds. The exact nature of the funds allegedly misused remains unclear, although it is known that Fotopub failed to pay employees and subcontractors for work completed. Prosecutors have not disclosed the extent of the damage caused by the alleged fraud or who suffered from it, but it is clear that the system for funding specific cultural projects has been exploited for years. The process of delivering the fraud indictment has faced delays similar to those encountered with the initial charges against Smodej. The first indictment was filed in March 2025, but it took almost a year for the court to serve it to Smodej. The same challenges are being faced with the new indictment, which adds further complexity to an already protracted legal battle. Public interest in the case has been fueled by the high-profile nature of the Fotopub scandal, which shocked parts of Slovenia’s cultural community. The controversy surrounding Smodej has raised questions about the effectiveness of Slovenia’s judiciary when dealing with individuals who evade justice by fleeing to foreign countries while having previously benefited from public funding. The legal proceedings involving Smodej highlight the broader issues of transparency and accountability in public financing of cultural projects. While the court has emphasized the need to protect the personal lives of victims, including one who was underage at the time of the alleged offenses, critics argue that media coverage of such cases is often more open when the individuals involved are not from left-wing or contemporary art circles. This perceived double standard raises concerns about the principles of fairness and consistency in how the law is applied. The situation underscores the complexities of balancing victim protection with public interest in high-profile cases. As the legal processes continue, the outcomes will likely influence future discussions on judicial efficiency, transparency, and the treatment of individuals who have both committed alleged crimes and benefited from public resources.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 9 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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11 reports

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 92Objective 8822 days ago
In court, the continuation of the sentence for Dušan Smodej from Fotopub

The article reports on two ongoing legal proceedings at the Ljubljana City Court. One case involves Iraqi national Rašidu Aziz, who is being tried for alleged collaboration with a terrorist organization. The trial is nearing its conclusion after reviewing all evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense, though it still awaits information on Aziz’s status in Iraq. The other case concerns Dusan Smodej, accused of sexual assault, enabling drug use, and bodily harm, related to the 'Fotopub' scandal. Smodej's retrial was scheduled for Wednesday, with the court citing privacy concerns for two victims, one of whom was underage at the time of the alleged crimes. Additionally, the Supreme Court has paused its decision on extending Aziz’s detention due to a constitutional review of the Šutarić Law, which allows extended pretrial detention. Both cases highlight ongoing judicial processes in Slovenia.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual updates on two separate legal cases without overt ideological framing. It provides balanced reporting on the procedural aspects of both trials, including the reasons for delays and legal justifications. There is no clear leaning toward either political side, as the focus

Why factuality (92): This article accurately summarizes the ongoing legal process involving Smodej and Rašid Aziz. It includes correct information about the charges against Smodej, the timeline of the indictment, and the court dates. The article does not include the controversial comparisons or critiques from the primar

Why objectivity (88): The article maintains an objective tone by focusing on procedural details and legal facts without taking sides or expressing opinion. It avoids any emotionally charged language or commentary on the perceived double standards mentioned in the primary source.

Demokracija logoDemokracijaParty-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 8522 days ago
Next week in the courts: Rashid Aziz trial nearing completion; continuing pre-trial injunction in Fotopub case

The article reports on two ongoing legal cases in Slovenia. The first case involves Dušan Josip Smodej, who faces a retrial related to allegations of sexual assault, enabling the use of prohibited drugs, and bodily harm. The retrial was previously postponed twice, and the court has now restricted public access to protect the privacy of two victims, one of whom was a minor at the time of the alleged offenses. The second case concerns Rašidu Aziz, an Iraqi citizen accused of collaborating with a terrorist organization. His trial is nearing completion, but the Supreme Court has paused the decision on extending his detention due to a constitutional challenge against the Šutarić Law, which allows extending detention from two to three years. The article also lists other upcoming trials scheduled in August.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both legal proceedings without overt ideological slant, focusing on procedural updates and judicial decisions rather than taking sides. It provides balanced reporting on the status of multiple cases without emphasizing any particular political agenda or viewpoint.

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports the upcoming court hearing for Smodej and provides factual details about the charges against him, including sexual violence, enabling drug use, and causing bodily harm. It also mentions the timeline of events, such as when the indictment was filed and when it was deliv

Why objectivity (85): The article remains largely neutral in tone, presenting facts without overt bias. However, it focuses only on the legal proceedings and does not address the public perception or criticisms mentioned in the primary source, which could be seen as a slight imbalance.

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 89Objective 7026 days ago
Indictment for two counts of fraud in the Fotopub case

The Ljubljana District Court has ordered the filing of an indictment against Dušan Josip Smodej in connection with two alleged acts of fraud related to the Fotopub affair. The charges stem from suspected misuse of public funds. The police filed the indictment in December 2023 at the Ljubljana District Prosecution Office. During the investigation into the Fotopub scandal, which began in August 2022, Ljubljana detectives noted that alongside the investigation into sexual misconduct, there was also an inquiry into the misuse of public funds. It is known that Fotopub received around €52,000 from the Ministry of Culture between 2018 and 2021 for the Festivalpub project and €2,200 in 2015. According to reports by Delo, Smodej managed a performance art project funded by the City of Ljubljana but did not submit his final report in 2022, leading to a request for the return of €4,000. However, he did not receive the letter. Details regarding the specific damages caused by the alleged frauds and who suffered them remain unclear. Smodej has remained silent about the allegations since the Fotopub scandal, which stirred both cultural and broader public opinion in Slovenia.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal proceedings involving public funds and does not exhibit clear bias through loaded language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. It provides details from multiple sources including police actions and reports from Delo, maintaining a neutral

Why factuality (89): This article closely matches the primary source, providing detailed information about the financial fraud charges, the €53,000 and €2,200 figures, and the status of the legal process. It maintains consistency with the source material.

Why objectivity (70): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'black chronicle' and emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, potentially influencing the reader's perception beyond mere facts.

Mladina logoMladinaIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 7527 days ago
The Fotopub/Zoper Smodej affair is also charged with fraud.

The article reports on legal proceedings against Dušan Smodej, co-founder of the Fotopub cultural project, who faces charges of fraud related to alleged misuse of public funds. The charges were filed by police in December 2023, alleging two instances of financial misconduct. While the exact nature of the alleged damages and specific victims remain unclear, the case involves potential misappropriation of approximately €52,000 received from the Ministry of Culture between 2018 and 2021 for the 'Festivalpub' project. Additionally, Smodej was previously accused of other criminal acts, including sexual assault and bodily harm, though these charges are part of a separate ongoing trial. Despite the controversy surrounding Fotopub, Smodej has remained silent on the allegations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal charges against Smodej without overtly favoring any political stance. It provides balanced reporting on the charges, the context of public funding, and the ongoing judicial process, without emphasizing ideological positions or taking sides in the爭

Why factuality (88): This article aligns closely with the primary source, detailing the financial fraud charges and referencing the €53,000 and €2,200 figures. It provides clear context about the legal process and the ongoing issues with charge delivery.

Why objectivity (75): While informative, the article has a slightly biased tone by focusing more on the implications of the charges and less on presenting both sides of the story, especially regarding Smodej’s response.

Nova24TV logoNova24TVParty-alignedCenterFactual 88Objective 7226 days ago
New criminal case for Smodej: charged with two counts of fraud with public money

The Ljubljana Prosecutor's Office has filed a new criminal complaint against Dušan Josip Smodej, former leader of the cultural organization Fotopub, over two alleged fraud cases involving misuse of public funds. Smodej has been unable to appear for questioning due to his current location abroad. The charges relate to financial mismanagement during projects funded by the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Ljubljana, including failure to submit final reports and underpayment of employees. The case is part of a broader pattern of legal issues, as Smodej fled to another country after being implicated in the 2022 'Fotopub' scandal, where allegations of drug-facilitated sexual abuse were made. Despite repeated requests for transparency, the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office denied access to the complaint, citing privacy concerns for victims, some of whom were minors at the time. This case highlights ongoing challenges with judicial efficiency and accountability for individuals who flee abroad while receiving public funding.

Bias read (Center): While the article discusses a legal case involving potential misuse of public funds, which could be seen as politically sensitive, the framing remains largely objective. It presents both the accusations and the responses from the accused, as well as the legal process. There is no overt ideological倾向

Why factuality (88): This article accurately reflects the primary source, including the financial fraud charges, the €53,000 and €2,200 figures, and the legal process. It also mentions the reimbursement request and the lack of final reports.

Why objectivity (72): The tone is somewhat critical, focusing on the implications of the charges and the potential misuse of public funds, though it remains mostly objective.

24ur (POP TV) logo24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 7226 days ago
Zoper Smodej also charged with fraud

The article reports on legal proceedings against Slovenian artist Smodej, who faces charges related to alleged misuse of public funds and other criminal offenses. The charges stem from the Fotopub scandal that erupted in August 2022, which involved accusations of misusing public money. It was revealed that Fotopub received over 52,000 euros from the Ministry of Culture between 2018 and 2021 for the 'Festivalpub' project and additional funding in 2015. Smodej submitted a project proposal under the domain of performance arts to the Municipality of Ljubljana (MOL) but did not submit the final report by 2022, leading to demands for repayment of 4,000 euros. The police filed complaints against both alleged frauds in December 2023, and separate legal processes are ongoing. Smodej has remained silent regarding the allegations despite stepping back from public life after the scandal.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal proceedings involving public funds and criminal charges against Smodej without overtly favoring any political side. While the topic involves public accountability and legal issues, the framing remains neutral, focusing on reported facts ratherthan

Why factuality (88): This article accurately reflects the primary source, including the financial fraud charges, the €53,000 and €2,200 figures, and the legal process. It maintains consistency with the source material.

Why objectivity (72): The article has a slightly negative tone, focusing on the implications of the charges and the potential misuse of public funds, though it remains largely objective.

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒CenterFactual 87Objective 7227 days ago
Dušan Smodej back in court, charged with two counts of fraud

Dušan Smodej, povezan s pristojnostjo za kulturne projekte, je ponovno pred sodiščem zaradi dveh goljufij. Sodišče je vložilo nov obtožni predlog, vendar mu še ni uspelo vročiti. Predhodno je bil obtožen zaradi domnevnega spolnega nasilja, kar je zanikal. Afера 'Fotopub' je zrasla na podlagi anonimnih pričevanj domnevnih žrtev, kjer so ugotovili, da je Smodej lahko uporabljal drogo GHB in izvajal spolno in fizično nasilje. Kriminalisti so opravili več kot 80 razgovorov in pregledali 5000 objav. Dodatno so sumili nenamensko porabo javnih sredstev, ker je Fotopub prejel skoraj 53.000 evrov za festival pub in ni oddal poročila. Prav tako ni plačeval sodelavcem. Zdaj se preverja, kakšna škoda je nastala zaradi goljufij.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal proceedings against Dušan Smodej, focusing on allegations of fraud and previous accusations of sexual assault. While the subject involves a public figure and potential misuse of public funds, the tone remains neutral, presenting both the charges (

Why factuality (87): The article reflects the primary source's content accurately, mentioning the €53,000 and €2,200 figures, and the ongoing legal proceedings. It also includes details about the project not being submitted and the request for reimbursement.

Why objectivity (72): The tone is somewhat emotive, particularly when discussing the alleged victim testimonies and the impact on public funds, which could be seen as leaning toward a critical stance.

Demokracija logoDemokracijaParty-alignedProgressiveFactual 87Objective 7126 days ago
The main actor of Photopub is suspected of two more fraud offences

The Ljubljana Prosecutor's Office has filed a new indictment against Dušan Smodej, former leader of the Fotopub cultural group, over two criminal acts of fraud. Smodej remains at large in foreign countries and has been avoiding arrest attempts. The charges relate to alleged misuse of public funds through the organization of cultural projects between 2015 and 2022, including the Festivalpub project funded by the Ministry of Culture and other local initiatives. Investigations revealed that the organization frequently failed to pay employees and subcontractors for their work. Additionally, Smodej was involved in a scandal in August 2022 where allegations emerged of drugging and sexually abusing young women during artistic events. Despite multiple legal proceedings, Smodej has continued his artistic activities abroad while receiving public funding. The case highlights concerns about the effectiveness of Slovenian justice system in dealing with individuals who evade prosecution while benefiting from public resources.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue around the inefficiency of the Slovenian judicial system in handling cases involving individuals who receive public funding but evade accountability. It emphasizes the contrast between how high-profile figures like Janez Janšo were covered in the media versus less well-đ

Why factuality (87): The article aligns with the primary source, accurately reporting on the financial fraud charges, the €53,000 and €2,200 figures, and the legal process. It also includes details about the reimbursement request and the lack of final reports.

Why objectivity (71): The tone is slightly emotive, particularly when discussing the impact on public funds and the potential misuse, which might sway the reader's opinion.

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 87Objective 7126 days ago
Fotopub Affair: Smodej still charged with fraud but not yet served

The Ljubljana District Court has ordered the heating of the indictment against Dušan Josip Smodej regarding two charges of fraud related to the Fotopub scandal. The indictment was filed in December 2023, but it has not yet been served. The charges stem from alleged misuse of public funds, with Smodej having received over 52,000 euros from the Ministry of Culture between 2018 and 2021 for the Festivalpub project and additional funding in 2015. It is known that Smodej failed to submit the final report for the project and did not return 4,000 euros from the co-financing. While there are allegations of harm from individuals who collaborated with Fotopub, the specific nature of the damages and the parties affected remain unclear. Additionally, Smodej faces a separate legal process for other criminal acts, including sexual assault and bodily harm. Despite the controversy surrounding the Fotopub scandal, which sparked significant public debate, Smodej has remained silent on the accusations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual developments around the legal proceedings against Smodej without overtly favoring any political stance. It reports on the status of the indictment, financial discrepancies, and ongoing legal processes without taking sides or using emotionally charged language. The tone,措

Why factuality (87): The article aligns with the primary source, reporting on the financial fraud charges and the €53,000 and €2,200 figures. It also discusses the legal process and the ongoing issues with charge delivery.

Why objectivity (71): The tone is somewhat dramatic, using phrases like 'unexpected money flows' and highlighting the severity of the situation, which may influence the reader's interpretation.

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 86Objective 7327 days ago
A new trial for Dusan Smodej: he is charged with two counts of fraud, the indictment has not yet been served

The article reports on a new criminal case against Dušan Smodej, who is accused of two frauds related to his involvement with the Fotopub cultural project. While a trial is ongoing at the Ljubljana District Court, the Ljubljana Regional Court has decided to issue an indictment but has not yet delivered it. The charges include allegations of misuse of public funds, which stem from the fact that Fotopub received public money from the Ministry of Culture between 2018 and 2021, including €52,826 for the Festivalpub project. Additionally, Smodej was involved in another project, 'Slovenski pasijon' or 'Krst na Triglavu,' which he did not complete, leading to financial disputes with the Municipality of Ljubljana. The municipality requested reimbursement of €4,000 but received no response from Smodej, resulting in the termination of their agreement. The police have filed accusations against him for these two fraudulent acts, and the prosecutor has directed the indictment to the Ljubljana District Court.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal proceedings against Smodej without overtly favoring any political stance. It provides balanced reporting on the charges, the context of public funding, and the administrative actions taken by the municipality. There is no clear ideological leaning

Why factuality (86): The article accurately reports on the financial fraud charges and references the €53,000 and €2,200 figures. It also mentions the project not being submitted and the reimbursement request, aligning with the primary source.

Why objectivity (73): There is a slight bias in the emphasis on the potential misuse of public funds and the consequences for Smodej, though it remains relatively neutral overall.

Žurnal24 logoŽurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7026 days ago
The Fotopub Affair: New charges against Dušan Smodej

The article discusses new charges against Dušan Smodej, the main figure in the Fotopub affair, which involves allegations of sexual assault, enabling drug use, and causing physical harm. Investigators have also uncovered unusual financial flows linked to Smodej. The Fotopub received nearly €53,000 from the Ministry of Culture between 2018 and 2021 for the Festivalpub project and €2,200 in 2015. Smodej was involved in another project, 'Slovenski pasijon' or 'Krst na Triglavu,' funded by the City of Ljubljana, but he did not submit the final report in 2022, leading to a request for the return of €4,000 in co-financing. In early July, a preliminary hearing was held at the Ljubljana court based on anonymous testimonies from alleged victims, who claim Smodej drugged young women with GHB and sexually and physically assaulted them. Over 80 interviews were conducted, and more than 5,000 online posts were reviewed during the investigation. Smodej denies the charges and has fled abroad. The indictment was filed in March 2025, but it took the court almost a year to deliver it to the accused.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal proceedings involving a prominent individual, including allegations, financial details, and investigative actions. It does not exhibit clear bias through loaded language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The content remains balanced and

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports on new charges against Smodej, including financial fraud allegations. It references the primary source document regarding the €53,000 received from the Ministry of Culture and the €2,200 from 2015. However, some details like specific amounts and timelines are not fully

Why objectivity (70): The tone leans towards sensationalism, using phrases like 'new charges' and emphasizing the controversy around Smodej. The article presents information in a way that suggests a narrative rather than remaining strictly neutral.

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