Peranovic Dismissed Crna Reka Center to Stay until Further, Blic, May 28, 2009

Peranovic Dismissed, 'Crna Reka' Center to Stay until Further

Blic
May 28, 2009

http://www.blic.rs/infocus.php?id=4517

Request to Bishop Artemije to close the center at Crna Reka remains in force, 'Blic' was told at the Patriarchy yesterday. That stance was repeated after the Eparchy of Raska and Prizren announced that Bishop Artemije had recalled Father Branislav Peranovic, chief of the so-called spiritual-rehabilitation center for treatment of drug edicts 'Crna Reka'.

The newly appointed chief is Father Dejan Jakovljevic, Peranovic's right hand until so far. Bishop Artemije initially claimed that the affair over 'Crna Reka' was fabricated because of his refusal to host the USA Vice President Joseph Biden. In his yesterday's statement he said: 'We are addressing the competent state bodies that have registered the center to continue investigation and to bring the responsible individuals to the face of justice'. Although few days ago his reaction to the Synod's appeal was negative, he is now voicing the identical stance over the center that 'beating and physical maltreating are completely unacceptable methods' in treatment of drug edicts.

The camp at Crna Reka is not the only one led by recalled Peranovic. 'Blic' reporter yesterday visited a center of the same purpose in another eparchy in the village of Josevo in the Cer Mt. Presently there are 30 drug edicts there under treatment but seven new premises are being constructed for admission of further 70 drug edicts. One of them agreed to say to 'Blic' that he had been unsuccessfully treated at two hospitals before he came in Josevo.

'Here, however, for the first time I have done something positive in my life. I started here thinking with clear mind. Those accusing the center are actually those who were making problems', the young man said.