The details are still unknown, but in the grounds for the judgment on 36 pages judges of the High Court explain that the judgment by the court of first instance is annulled due to substantial violations of provisions governing procedure, and eroneous and incomplete establishment of the factual situation.

Thus a new trial will be held.

Three persons sentenced by the Court of first instance
The tree-member senate of the High Court of Koper evaluated the appeal of the sentenced mayor of Koper Popovič and the other two sentenced persons – the head of the municipality administration Sabina Mozetič, and the appraiser Rajko Srednik.

Had the High Court confirmed the sentence by the Court of First instance, Popovič would have lost the position of the mayor. He has been sentenced by the Court of First instance for abuse of power, as the court labelled the deal as agreed in advance, thus making Serming company the only one complying with the terms of the public tender.

Srednik had set a lower value for the land, as requested by the municipality, thus causing the damage of 5.5 mil euros to the municipal budged, while Mozetič was sentenced for abuse of power.

Popovič insisted that the judgment was unfair, that he had not abused his power, and that the municipality had made an excellent deal by selling land at Sermin.

Eugenija Carl, TV Slovenia
Translated by G. K.