**The name Kosta Kecmanovic has become synonymous with an unimaginable tragedy that shook Serbia and reverberated across the globe.** On a seemingly ordinary day, May 3, 2023, a horrific act of violence unfolded at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in Belgrade, leaving an indelible scar on the nation's psyche. This incident, perpetrated by a then-13-year-old student, thrust a young boy into the center of a complex legal and societal storm, raising profound questions about responsibility, mental health, and the devastating consequences of unfathomable acts. This article delves into the intricate details surrounding the Kosta Kecmanovic case, exploring the events leading up to the tragedy, the immediate aftermath, the subsequent legal battles faced by his parents, and the chilling insights gleaned from the perpetrator's own testimony. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview, drawing directly from reported facts and court proceedings, to understand the multifaceted dimensions of this deeply distressing event. ## Table of Contents 1. [A Glimpse into the Background: Who is Kosta Kecmanovic?](#a-glimpse-into-the-background-who-is-kosta-kecmanovic) * [Personal Data and Biodata](#personal-data-and-biodata) 2. [The Unthinkable Day: May 3, 2023](#the-unthinkable-day-may-3-2023) 3. [Immediate Aftermath and Legal Status](#immediate-aftermath-and-legal-status) 4. [The Legal Battle: Parents on Trial](#the-legal-battle-parents-on-trial) * [Charges and Initial Proceedings](#charges-and-initial-proceedings) * [The Verdict and Sentences](#the-verdict-and-sentences) 5. [Civil Lawsuits: Seeking Justice and Compensation](#civil-lawsuits-seeking-justice-and-compensation) 6. [Kosta Kecmanovic's Testimony: Chilling Revelations](#kosta-kecmanovics-testimony-chilling-revelations) 7. [The European Court of Human Rights: A Mother's Appeal](#the-european-court-of-human-rights-a-mothers-appeal) 8. [Societal Impact and Lingering Questions](#societal-impact-and-lingering-questions) --- ## A Glimpse into the Background: Who is Kosta Kecmanovic? Before the tragic events of May 3, 2023, Kosta Kecmanovic was an ordinary student attending the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in Belgrade, a school typically catering to children aged 6 to 15. His life, and indeed the lives of countless others, irrevocably changed on that fateful day. While extensive details about his personal life prior to the shooting remain largely private, court proceedings and public statements have offered glimpses into the circumstances surrounding him. At the time of the massacre, Kosta was 13 years old, an age that, under Serbian law, rendered him too young to face criminal trial. This legal provision has been a central point of discussion and a significant factor in how the case has unfolded, shifting the primary legal focus onto his parents. ### Personal Data and Biodata Given the sensitive nature and the fact that Kosta Kecmanovic was a minor at the time of the incident, detailed personal information is scarce and largely protected. However, based on publicly available information from court proceedings, we can compile the following: | Category | Detail
