Belgrade district court sets bail for key suspect in Azotara fertilizer scandal

New developments have taken place in the Azotara fertilizer company affair as a Belgrade district court set bail for Zvonimir N., who stands accused of corruption, Serbian wire service Tanjug reported, July 3.

“The court set bail at RSD 250 mln (EUR 2.2 mln), and if Zvonimir N. pays the sum he will be released pending trial,” a court spokesperson told Tanjug.

Zyonimir N. stands accused of managing a team of consultants at Azotara who allegedly violated government directives. The consultants are charged with abuse of office over a prolonged period in connection with the sale of subsidized mineral fertilizers.

Charges were also brought against former Agriculture Minister Sasa D., as well as 19 further individuals, including former Azotara bosses, several state agricultural company officials, and a number of owners and managers of private agricultural firms.

They are charged with irregularities connected with the sale of subsidized mineral fertilizers intended for farms, agricultural cooperatives and state-owned agricultural producers.

Provided he settles the set bail, Zvonimir N., will be released after spending more than seven months in custody.