Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina — June 9, 2025 — After more than a decade of legal battles and a retrial ordered by the Federation Supreme Court, Damir Mehic — better known by his nickname “Bibi” — has been sentenced to 16 years and 6 months in prison for the murder of Emir Džinić and the attempted murder of Amir and Nail Hodzic, which took place in Tuzla in June 2013.
The verdict, handed down by the Cantonal Court in Tuzla, also found four other men guilty of participating in the violent attack that shocked the local community. Their sentences are as follows:
- Amir Lisicic: 15 years in prison
- Amir Mehic (brother of the main defendant): 10 years and 9 months in prison
- Denis Rahmanovic: 10 months in prison for his role in the criminal group
- Mersed Mehanovic: 4 months in prison for participation in the group
The court found that all five individuals were part of an organized criminal group that planned and executed the attack on June 22, 2013. According to the verdict, the group used firearms to murder Dzinic and attempted to kill the Hodzic brothers during a confrontation in downtown Tuzla.
Background and Retrial
This case has a long and complicated legal history. In the initial trial that concluded in early 2023, Damir Mehic was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison. However, the Federation Supreme Court annulled that verdict on procedural grounds in August 2024 and ordered a retrial. Mehic, who had been evading capture for years, was eventually arrested in Serbia and extradited to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The retrial reaffirmed his guilt, though the sentence was slightly reduced from the original. The defense has already announced plans to appeal, meaning the verdict is not yet final.
Additional Measures and Restrictions
Damir Mehic and Amir Lisicic will remain in custody until the sentence becomes final, with the possibility of an additional nine months in pre-trial detention to await their transfer to prison. The court also issued a travel ban on Amir Mehic, prohibiting him from leaving the country.
Charges related to the illegal possession of weapons and explosives were dismissed due to lack of evidence or procedural issues.
Public and Legal Impact
This case has remained in the public eye for more than a decade, symbolizing both the challenges and the slow pace of the judicial system in handling complex, high-profile criminal cases in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The killing of Emir Dzinic and the attempted murders deeply affected the local community, and today’s verdict is seen by many as a form of delayed justice.
The Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the retrial, stating that it confirms the accountability of organized groups involved in violent crimes.