BELGRADE, Serbia — A soccer hooligan in Serbia was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday for a brawl that left one rival fan dead.
Belgrade District Court ruled that 24-year-old Bojan Hrvatin was guilty of stabbing the victim to death during a fight on a train in 2006.
The judge said the attack had been planned in advance. He said fans of Belgrade Rad club boarded the train armed with bars, knives and rocks, knowing their rivals were on it.
Three other fans of Belgrade club Rad also were convicted of taking part in the fight and sentenced to up to three years in prison.
The harsh sentencing signals apparent state resolve to curb hooligan violence. Fan groups have been behind recent attacks on liberals, gays and foreigners in Serbia, including the fatal beating of a French Toulouse fan in September.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
