The leader of the Social Democrats (Socialni demokrati – SD) parliamentary group, Jani Prednik, is facing serious allegations of psychological and physical abuse against his former partner. In September this year, she filed a criminal complaint with the public prosecutor’s office in Slovenj Gradec, where she also submitted evidence to support her claims, including messages, recordings, and photographs. The allegations include slapping, death threats, and emotional blackmail, which led to extreme fear and mental distress. Prednik has already resigned from his parliamentary position.
Although the Social Democrats party emphasises zero tolerance for violence against women in its political programme, it is now facing a serious problem within its own ranks. In her complaint, the former partner described several incidents, in which Jani Prednik allegedly even raised a kitchen knife twice and threatened to kill her.
In the last serious argument that took place in January this year, which she also recorded, Prednik made horrific threats: “You won’t survive tonight… I’ll break your phone and I’ll break everything… I’ve already ordered your murder, I just have to pay for it…” During this argument, she said he also hit her, twisted her arms, and threw her against the wall. Prednik spoke on the phone with one of his family members and shouted: “I’m going to kill her … I’m going to kill her … I’m going to kill her … Do you believe me that I’m going to scalp her?” This recording was handed over to the prosecution, which is now gathering additional evidence, while Prednik is awaiting questioning by the police, reports the media outlet N1. The penalty for domestic violence is up to three years in prison.
“I kept quiet for a long time – out of fear.”
In her statement, which she shared with us, Prednik’s former partner described in detail her experience of violence and the reasons for her long silence. “I kept quiet for a long time about the turbulent events during our relationship and even after we broke up, because I was afraid to even speak out due to all his threats, let alone report his criminal acts. Today, I am composed and able to speak… I can confirm that I have properly reported Jani’s criminal acts of domestic violence to the competent authorities,” she wrote. She summarised that she had been subjected to physical, psychological, and emotional abuse, which she will no longer hide, as forcing someone into silence is also a form of abuse. For a long time, she was ashamed and afraid that no one would believe her, as Prednik had convinced her that he was popular and that people would think she was “crazy.”
She specifically pointed out the threat of losing her job at the Slovenj Gradec Health Centre, where she is completing her specialisation and where she is contractually obliged to remain until 2033. If she left early, she would have to reimburse the costs, which was an additional source of stress and pressure given Prednik’s political position in the small region of Koroška. “I was also threatened with murder on several occasions. Jani further exacerbated my mental distress,” she added. After their breakup, the pressure intensified with discrediting, false accusations (also with the help of Katarina Valentar, Prednik’s alleged former lover), slander, stalking, and renewed threats.
“No one has the right to destroy a person. Not with their fists, not with words, not with manipulation, not with constant lies,” she emphasised. She spoke up for herself and for all women who are unable to speak out, emphasising that her testimony is not an attack, but a defence and a break with the culture of silence. She also mentioned the connection with Prednik’s former partner, Alja Domjan, who has also spoken out about Prednik’s alleged violence in the past and confirmed her statements. In a statement to the media outlet N1, Prednik denied some of the allegations, said he did not remember others, and admitted to a few, but claimed that the relationship was intense and the violence was mutual. His lawyer did not comment on the accusations, while both of his former partners are represented by Radovan Cerjak, who believes the evidence is solid.
Prednik resigns
Prednik has already resigned from his position as a member of parliament, reports the media outlet N1. The allegations are clearly solid, as he said the following upon his resignation: “Long-term exhaustion and a feeling of helplessness led me to respond inappropriately, which I regret.” He also said he has made mistakes, “but never ones like those I am accused of.”
T. B.
