SARAJEVO, Bosnia (September 12,2008) - Croatian war criminal Slavko Sakic made an plea agreement yesterday with the Bosnian State Prosecution in which he admits guilt for the war crimes comitted in the Bosnian town of Bugojno,during the Croatian aggression against Bosnia in the early 1990's.
Under this agreement, the Prosecution requested from the Bosnian State Court to sentence him from seven up to ten years.
Slavko Sakic, a former member of the Croatian fascist aggressor's formations, is indicteed for crimes against the Bosnian civilian population in Bugojno.
In accordance with the indictment, Croatian war criminal Slavko Sakic,participated in the illegal detention of Bosnian civilians from Bugojno, who were later held in the basement of the Akvarijum hotel in Vrbanja settlement.
The Prosecution stated that Croatian war criminal Slavko Sakic "was involved in looting and taking away their money and jewelry by force'' and that he, on the 17 and 28 of July 1993, participated in the torture of detained Bosnian civilians.
Croatian war criminal Slavko Sakic, at the beginning of August denied his guilt in accordance with the prosecution's indictment which was confirmed on 30 July.
He has been in custody since 18 May of this year, when he was arrested in the southwestern Bosnian town of Livno by members of the Bosnian State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA).
The agreement has been submitted to the Bosnian State Court for further consideration.
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Showing posts with label bosnian state court. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bosnian state court. Show all posts
Friday, September 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
BOSNIAN STATE COURT ORDERS CUSTODY FOR SERBIAN WAR CRIMINAL RADOMIR VUKOVIC CHARGED WITH GENOCIDE
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (August 11,2008) - The Bosnian State Court issued a Decision ordering into one-month custody for Serbian war criminal Radomir Vuković, who is suspected of the criminal offence of Genocide,committed during the 1992-1995 Serbian aggression against Bosnia. Pursuant to the Decision, the custody may last until September 7th, 2008,the Bosnian State Court said.
Having considered the submitted evidence, the Bosnian State Court concluded that there was grounded suspicion that Serbian war criminal Radomir Vuković had committed the foregoing criminal offence.
Further, the Bosnian State Court ordered custody having found that there was sufficient evidence indicating the risk of his flight, and that Serbian war criminal, if released, might interfere with the criminal proceedings by influencing the witnesses.
Also, the Bosnian State Court ordered Serbian war criminal Radomir Vuković into custody given that the crime in question carries a 10-year imprisonment penalty or a harsher sentence, so due to the manner of perpetration or the consequences of the crime, bearing in mind that releasing would result in a genuine threat to public order.
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Having considered the submitted evidence, the Bosnian State Court concluded that there was grounded suspicion that Serbian war criminal Radomir Vuković had committed the foregoing criminal offence.
Further, the Bosnian State Court ordered custody having found that there was sufficient evidence indicating the risk of his flight, and that Serbian war criminal, if released, might interfere with the criminal proceedings by influencing the witnesses.
Also, the Bosnian State Court ordered Serbian war criminal Radomir Vuković into custody given that the crime in question carries a 10-year imprisonment penalty or a harsher sentence, so due to the manner of perpetration or the consequences of the crime, bearing in mind that releasing would result in a genuine threat to public order.
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Tuesday, August 5, 2008
BOSNIAN STATE COURT CONFIRMS INDICTMENT AGAINST CROATIAN WAR CRIMINAL SLAVKO ŠAKIĆ
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (August 5,2008) - The Bosnian State Court has confirmed the indictment against Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić, former member of the Croatian fascist aggressor's formations, who is charged with crimes against Bosnian civilians in the central Bosnian town of Bugojno,during the Croatian aggression against Bosnia in the early 1990s.
The indictment states that Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić participated in the detention of Bosnian civilians from Bugojno in July 1993. The Bosnian civilians were then detained by the fascist Croatian aggressor in the basement of the Aquarium motel in Vrbanja settlement.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor considers that, while the Bosnian civilians were being detained, Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić "searched them and forcibly took their money and jewelry away." It is also states that he participated in torture of detained Bosnians from July 17 to July 28, 1993.
Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić is charged with having taken one Bosnian civilian from "Aquarium" motel in late July 1993. In August 1993 this Bosnian civilian was found dead below a bridge in Vrbanja settlement.
Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić has been held in custody since May 18 this year, when the Bosnian State Investigation and Protection Agency, (SIPA), arrested him in the western Bosnian town of Livno.
Citing the reasons for the custody motion, the Bosnian State Prosecutor mentioned the possibility that he might attempt to escape, due to the fact that Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić has Croatian citizenship and the fact that he tried to hide his true identity by telling the investigative organs that his name was Anto.
A plea hearing before the Section I for War Crimes of the Bosnian State Court, in the case of Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić, has been scheduled for tomorrow,August 6, 2008, starting at 11:00a.m. in courtroom 3,the Bosnian State Court said today.
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The indictment states that Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić participated in the detention of Bosnian civilians from Bugojno in July 1993. The Bosnian civilians were then detained by the fascist Croatian aggressor in the basement of the Aquarium motel in Vrbanja settlement.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor considers that, while the Bosnian civilians were being detained, Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić "searched them and forcibly took their money and jewelry away." It is also states that he participated in torture of detained Bosnians from July 17 to July 28, 1993.
Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić is charged with having taken one Bosnian civilian from "Aquarium" motel in late July 1993. In August 1993 this Bosnian civilian was found dead below a bridge in Vrbanja settlement.
Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić has been held in custody since May 18 this year, when the Bosnian State Investigation and Protection Agency, (SIPA), arrested him in the western Bosnian town of Livno.
Citing the reasons for the custody motion, the Bosnian State Prosecutor mentioned the possibility that he might attempt to escape, due to the fact that Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić has Croatian citizenship and the fact that he tried to hide his true identity by telling the investigative organs that his name was Anto.
A plea hearing before the Section I for War Crimes of the Bosnian State Court, in the case of Croatian war criminal Slavko Šakić, has been scheduled for tomorrow,August 6, 2008, starting at 11:00a.m. in courtroom 3,the Bosnian State Court said today.
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Wednesday, July 2, 2008
TRIAL OF SERBIAN WAR CRIMINALS GOJKO KLICKOVIC,JOVAN OSTOJIC AND MLADEN DRLJACA TO CONTINUE ON JULY 8
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (July 2,2008) – A Prosecution witness testified yesterday before the Bosnian State Court about his detention by the genocidal Serbian fascist aggressor in the Bosnain town of Bosanska Krupa in 1992,during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia, claiming this was "the worst period" in his life.
Prosecution witness Emir Hasic said that, on April 25, 1992 he and his stepmother had to leave their apartment in Bosanska Krupa. After that they were separated. He was detained in the school building in Jasenica and his stepmother was forced by the genocidal Serbian fascist aggressor to leave the town.
"When they brought us to the school in Jasenica,I was examined, before an improvised "court", by a person known as Mladjo. I suppose his name was Mladen. He asked me about some objects, which were laid down on the table. He said they were called 'Serb-cutters', adding that the Bosnian Patriotic League members wanted to use them to kill Serbians living in Bosnia," Hasic said.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Serbian war criminals Gojko Klickovic, Jovan Ostojic and Mladen Drljaca with crimes committed in Bosanska Krupa area in the course of 1991 and 1992,during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia. The indictment against Serbian war criminals Klickovic and Drljaca states that they illegally detained and "tried" Bosnian civilians. The third Serbian war criminal was allegedly a presiding judge with this court.
"You do look like that person," Hasic said, addressing Mladen Drljaca in the courtroom. Later on he said that he was the person who interrigated him in Jasenica.
This witness said that he suffered "the most traumatic experiences" when he was detained by the genocidal Serbian fascist aggressor in a concentration camp in Bosanska Krupa, in which the detained Bosnian civilians were "categorised" and tortured on a daily basis.
"I think that the detained Bosnian civilians were categorised in some way, because members of the Bosnian Patriotic League and politically active detainees or members of the Party for Democratic Action, SDA, were taken out and mistreated more often than the other detainees," Hasic said, adding that he was tortured by the genocidal Serbian fascist aggressor's soldiers three times.
"This was the worst period in my life and I want to forget it," Hasic said.
Hasic and other detained Bosnian civilians were taken out to perform forced labour. One of the locations to which they were taken was the court building in Bosanska Krupa, where he saw Serbian war criminal Miroslav Vjestica. The witness said that Vjestica told him that he would be exchanged in "about ten days," which proved to be true.
Available data suggest that the Bosnian State Prosecutor is conducting an investigation against Serbian war criminal Miroslav Vjestica, due to a suspicion that he participated in war crimes committed by the genocidal Serbian fascist aggressor in the Bosanska Krupa area.
The trial of Serbian war criminals Gojko Klickovic, Jovan Ostojic and Mladen Drljaca is due to continue before the Bosnian State Court on July 8, 2008.
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Prosecution witness Emir Hasic said that, on April 25, 1992 he and his stepmother had to leave their apartment in Bosanska Krupa. After that they were separated. He was detained in the school building in Jasenica and his stepmother was forced by the genocidal Serbian fascist aggressor to leave the town.
"When they brought us to the school in Jasenica,I was examined, before an improvised "court", by a person known as Mladjo. I suppose his name was Mladen. He asked me about some objects, which were laid down on the table. He said they were called 'Serb-cutters', adding that the Bosnian Patriotic League members wanted to use them to kill Serbians living in Bosnia," Hasic said.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Serbian war criminals Gojko Klickovic, Jovan Ostojic and Mladen Drljaca with crimes committed in Bosanska Krupa area in the course of 1991 and 1992,during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia. The indictment against Serbian war criminals Klickovic and Drljaca states that they illegally detained and "tried" Bosnian civilians. The third Serbian war criminal was allegedly a presiding judge with this court.
"You do look like that person," Hasic said, addressing Mladen Drljaca in the courtroom. Later on he said that he was the person who interrigated him in Jasenica.
This witness said that he suffered "the most traumatic experiences" when he was detained by the genocidal Serbian fascist aggressor in a concentration camp in Bosanska Krupa, in which the detained Bosnian civilians were "categorised" and tortured on a daily basis.
"I think that the detained Bosnian civilians were categorised in some way, because members of the Bosnian Patriotic League and politically active detainees or members of the Party for Democratic Action, SDA, were taken out and mistreated more often than the other detainees," Hasic said, adding that he was tortured by the genocidal Serbian fascist aggressor's soldiers three times.
"This was the worst period in my life and I want to forget it," Hasic said.
Hasic and other detained Bosnian civilians were taken out to perform forced labour. One of the locations to which they were taken was the court building in Bosanska Krupa, where he saw Serbian war criminal Miroslav Vjestica. The witness said that Vjestica told him that he would be exchanged in "about ten days," which proved to be true.
Available data suggest that the Bosnian State Prosecutor is conducting an investigation against Serbian war criminal Miroslav Vjestica, due to a suspicion that he participated in war crimes committed by the genocidal Serbian fascist aggressor in the Bosanska Krupa area.
The trial of Serbian war criminals Gojko Klickovic, Jovan Ostojic and Mladen Drljaca is due to continue before the Bosnian State Court on July 8, 2008.
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STATUS CONFERENCE IN THE CASE OF CROATIAN WAR CRIMINAL ANTE KOVAC SCHEDULED FOR JULY 3
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (July 2,2008) – A status conference before the Section I for War Crimes of the Bosnian State Court, in the case of Croatian war criminal Ante Kovać, has been scheduled for July 3, 2008 starting at 09:00 a.m. in courtroom 5.
Croatian war criminal Ante Kovać is charged with the criminal offence of War crimes against Bosnian civilians committed during the Croatian aggression against Bosnia in the early 1990's.
As stated in the Indictment, during the period from April to end-August 1993, in the territory of the Vitez Municipality, in his capacity as a member of the Croatian fascist aggressor's formations, Croatian war criminal Ante Kovać issued orders to other Croatian fascist aggressor's soldiers and together with them took part in the unlawful arrest and detention of Bosnian civilians.
Around 250 Bosnian civilians were detained in a small space, in inhumane conditions on the premises of the Radnički University and the Cinema Theater in Vitez.
The Croatian fascist aggressor would take the detained Bosnian civilians for interrogation and forced labor at the separation line between the Croatian fascist aggressor's forces and the Bosnian Army, exposing them to life-threatening condition, which is when a number of detained Bosnian civilians were killed.
The Indictment goes on to say that on 18 April 1993 Croatian war criminal Ante Kovać took a Bosnian woman from the SDK premises and forced her into the so-called Crnogorka building, where he raped her.
The Indictment further states that on 30 August 1993 Croatian war criminal Ante Kovać raped one Bosnian woman on the premises of the Dom Kulture (Culture Center) and threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
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Croatian war criminal Ante Kovać is charged with the criminal offence of War crimes against Bosnian civilians committed during the Croatian aggression against Bosnia in the early 1990's.
As stated in the Indictment, during the period from April to end-August 1993, in the territory of the Vitez Municipality, in his capacity as a member of the Croatian fascist aggressor's formations, Croatian war criminal Ante Kovać issued orders to other Croatian fascist aggressor's soldiers and together with them took part in the unlawful arrest and detention of Bosnian civilians.
Around 250 Bosnian civilians were detained in a small space, in inhumane conditions on the premises of the Radnički University and the Cinema Theater in Vitez.
The Croatian fascist aggressor would take the detained Bosnian civilians for interrogation and forced labor at the separation line between the Croatian fascist aggressor's forces and the Bosnian Army, exposing them to life-threatening condition, which is when a number of detained Bosnian civilians were killed.
The Indictment goes on to say that on 18 April 1993 Croatian war criminal Ante Kovać took a Bosnian woman from the SDK premises and forced her into the so-called Crnogorka building, where he raped her.
The Indictment further states that on 30 August 1993 Croatian war criminal Ante Kovać raped one Bosnian woman on the premises of the Dom Kulture (Culture Center) and threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
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Monday, March 3, 2008
GENOCIDE SURVIVOR FEJZIJA HADZIC TESTIFIED BEFORE BOSNIAN STATE COURT ABOUT A MASS MURDER COMMITTED BY GENOCIDAL SERBIAN AGGRESSOR IN KALINOVIK
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (March 3,2008) – The first Prosecution witness has testified before the Bosnian State Court about out the mass murder of Bosnian civilians committed by the genocidal Serbian aggressor in the Bosnian town of Kalinovik and the indictee's responsibility.
Fejzija Hadzic, the first Prosecution witness at the trial of Serbian war criminals Ratko Bundalo, Nedjo Zeljaja and Djordjislav Askraba charged with crimes against Bosnian civilians committed in Kalinovik in 1992,during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia, described how he survived the mass murder and the torching of bodies in August 1992.
"I think I will remember that date, August 5, for as long as I live. Askraba came to "Barutni magacin" concentration camp and said: 'You are treated in a nice way in comparison to the others.' Later on, Pero Elez came... Elez ordered them to tie our hands and then they took us in trucks to a stable, where they shot us. When I heard the shooting, I fell to the ground and pretended I was dead. Then they ordered other detainees to drag the bodies into a stable, poured gasoline upon the bodies and set us on fire," Hadzic said, adding that he was wounded in his leg but managed to escape from the stable.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Ratko Serbian war criminals Ratko Bundalo, Nedjo Zeljaja and Djordjislav Askraba with the crimes committed on August 5, 1992, against Bosnian civilians from Jelec village in Foca municipality, Mjehovina, Jelasica, Vihovici and Jezera villages in Kalinovik municipality and villages in the Gacko area between April 1992 to March 1993.
Serbian war criminal Pero Elez was commander of a genocidal Serbian paramilitary unit. He is believed to have been killed during the 1992-1995 Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
The indictment alleges that Serbian war criminal Djordjislav Askraba handed over the detained Bosnian civilians to Elez's Unit members, who tied them with wire and beat them "with their legs, hands and wooden sticks". After that they transported them by truck to a stable in Ratine place, where they were shot, poured gasoline over the bodies and set them on fire by the genocidal Serbian aggressor.
"In early August, Askraba visited the 'Barutni magacin' concentration camp and took some detainees, allegedly, for exchange. Some of them, who were found later, had been killed and their arms had been tied," the witness stated.
The witness said, on June 25, he was detained by the genocidal Serbian aggressor in Kalinovik. He was among 74 prisoners transferred to "Barutni magacin" concentration camp on "July 6 or 7." In the detention camp he saw Askraba, who introduced himself as "concentration camp commander."
The indictment alleges that Serbian war criminal Djordjislav Askraba was concentration camp commander between July 7 and August 5, 1992.
"I remember being told that Ratko Bundalo was 'a colonel' in early 1992. At that time he used to come to meetings in Mjehovina and other villages. He told us not to worry and said that nothing would happen to us," Hadzic said.
The Prosecution claims that Serbian war criminals Ratko Bundalo and Nedjo Zeljala participated in the "establishment and organisation" of concentration camps in Kalinovik area where "about 300 Bosnian civilians" were physically and mentally mistreated every day by the genocidal serbian aggressor.
The witness said he did not see Serbian war criminal Nedjo Zeljaja in 'Barutni magacin' concentration camp.
During cross-examination, the Defence teams did not have any questions for the witness regarding the participation of the three Serbian war criminals in the crimes committed in Kalinovik area during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
Asked by Trial Chamber Chairman Stanisa Gluhajic if he wanted the indictees to be criminally prosecuted due to their participation in the crimes, the witness said he wanted them to be "tried for what they had done."
The trial of Serbian war criminals Ratko Bundalo, Nedjo Zeljaja and Djordjislav Askraba is due to continue before the Bosnian State Court on March 13, when another Prosecution witness will be examined.
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Fejzija Hadzic, the first Prosecution witness at the trial of Serbian war criminals Ratko Bundalo, Nedjo Zeljaja and Djordjislav Askraba charged with crimes against Bosnian civilians committed in Kalinovik in 1992,during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia, described how he survived the mass murder and the torching of bodies in August 1992.
"I think I will remember that date, August 5, for as long as I live. Askraba came to "Barutni magacin" concentration camp and said: 'You are treated in a nice way in comparison to the others.' Later on, Pero Elez came... Elez ordered them to tie our hands and then they took us in trucks to a stable, where they shot us. When I heard the shooting, I fell to the ground and pretended I was dead. Then they ordered other detainees to drag the bodies into a stable, poured gasoline upon the bodies and set us on fire," Hadzic said, adding that he was wounded in his leg but managed to escape from the stable.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Ratko Serbian war criminals Ratko Bundalo, Nedjo Zeljaja and Djordjislav Askraba with the crimes committed on August 5, 1992, against Bosnian civilians from Jelec village in Foca municipality, Mjehovina, Jelasica, Vihovici and Jezera villages in Kalinovik municipality and villages in the Gacko area between April 1992 to March 1993.
Serbian war criminal Pero Elez was commander of a genocidal Serbian paramilitary unit. He is believed to have been killed during the 1992-1995 Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
The indictment alleges that Serbian war criminal Djordjislav Askraba handed over the detained Bosnian civilians to Elez's Unit members, who tied them with wire and beat them "with their legs, hands and wooden sticks". After that they transported them by truck to a stable in Ratine place, where they were shot, poured gasoline over the bodies and set them on fire by the genocidal Serbian aggressor.
"In early August, Askraba visited the 'Barutni magacin' concentration camp and took some detainees, allegedly, for exchange. Some of them, who were found later, had been killed and their arms had been tied," the witness stated.
The witness said, on June 25, he was detained by the genocidal Serbian aggressor in Kalinovik. He was among 74 prisoners transferred to "Barutni magacin" concentration camp on "July 6 or 7." In the detention camp he saw Askraba, who introduced himself as "concentration camp commander."
The indictment alleges that Serbian war criminal Djordjislav Askraba was concentration camp commander between July 7 and August 5, 1992.
"I remember being told that Ratko Bundalo was 'a colonel' in early 1992. At that time he used to come to meetings in Mjehovina and other villages. He told us not to worry and said that nothing would happen to us," Hadzic said.
The Prosecution claims that Serbian war criminals Ratko Bundalo and Nedjo Zeljala participated in the "establishment and organisation" of concentration camps in Kalinovik area where "about 300 Bosnian civilians" were physically and mentally mistreated every day by the genocidal serbian aggressor.
The witness said he did not see Serbian war criminal Nedjo Zeljaja in 'Barutni magacin' concentration camp.
During cross-examination, the Defence teams did not have any questions for the witness regarding the participation of the three Serbian war criminals in the crimes committed in Kalinovik area during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
Asked by Trial Chamber Chairman Stanisa Gluhajic if he wanted the indictees to be criminally prosecuted due to their participation in the crimes, the witness said he wanted them to be "tried for what they had done."
The trial of Serbian war criminals Ratko Bundalo, Nedjo Zeljaja and Djordjislav Askraba is due to continue before the Bosnian State Court on March 13, when another Prosecution witness will be examined.
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Saturday, March 1, 2008
SERBIAN WAR CRIMINAL JOVAN OSTOJIC ARRESTED IN BOSNIA
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (March 1,2008) – On the basis of arrest warrant issued by the Bosnian State Prosecutor’s Office, Serbian war criminal Jovan Ostojic (53), suspected of crimes against humanity, was arrested in the northern Bosnian cit of Banja Luka on Thrusday, Boris Grubesic, the Bosnian State Prosecutor’s Office Spokesperson said.
Serbian war criminal Jovan Ostojic has been suspected of war crimes committed against Bosnian civilians in the Bosanska Krupa area in 1992,during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
The suspect will be extradited to the Bosnian State Prosecutor’s Office in the legal time frame and will be submitted to the Bosnian State Court for determining detention measures.
Serbian war criminal Jovan Ostojic was arrested by members of War Crimes Investigation Centre, the Banja Luka Office, in cooperation with the Bosnian State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA).
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Serbian war criminal Jovan Ostojic has been suspected of war crimes committed against Bosnian civilians in the Bosanska Krupa area in 1992,during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
The suspect will be extradited to the Bosnian State Prosecutor’s Office in the legal time frame and will be submitted to the Bosnian State Court for determining detention measures.
Serbian war criminal Jovan Ostojic was arrested by members of War Crimes Investigation Centre, the Banja Luka Office, in cooperation with the Bosnian State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA).
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Friday, February 29, 2008
BOSNIAN STATE COURT FINDS SERBIAN WAR CRIMINALS MITAR RASEVIC AND SAVO TODOVIC GUILTY OF WAR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (February 29,2008) – The Bosnian State Court sentenced yesterday Serbian war criminal Mitar Rasevic to eight and a half years and Serbian war criminal Savo Todovic to twelve years of imprisonment for war crimes committed against Bosnian civilians during the 1992-1995 Serbian aggression against Bosnia at the Foca concentration camp.
The Bosnian State Court announced Serbian war criminals Mitar Rasevic and Savo Todovic are guilty of crimes against humanity committed at the concentration camp in the eastern Bosnian town of Foca and sentenced them to eight and a half and twelve and a half years imprisonment respectively.
They were also found guilty of having participated in joint criminal enterprise.
The time they have spent in custody will be credited towards their sentence. Rasevic has been in custody since August 2003 and Todovic since January 2005.
Serbian war criminals Todovic and Rasevic, between April 1992 to October 1994, participated in the mistreatment of more than 700 Bosnian civilians at the Foca concentration campnnnnnj. Rasevic was commander of guards, while Todovic was deputy commander of the concentration camp.
The announcement of the verdict started with an hour and a half delay. Upon his arrival to the courtroom, Trial Chamber Chairman Hilmo Vucinic said the delay was "just proof" that the three-day legal deadline "was not sufficient for these type of decisions."
The Bosnian State Court announced the two Serbian war criminals guilty of all counts in the indictment, but it acquitted them of the charges contained in two sub-counts, which charged them with having maintained the system of mistreatment of Bosnian civilians in the Foca concentration camp and with having ordered the guards to torture and murder detained Bosnian civilians.
According to the Trial Chamber, on the basis of the presented pieces of evidence it can be determined that the indictees were "aware of their positions and of all the happenings in the Foca concentration camp".
"Most of the witnesses were the foca concentration camp survivors. The Chamber is aware of the fact that they were not eyewitnesses to these events, but it decided to admit their statements, as they suffered incrimination and because their statements were more or less the same," Vucinic said.
Chairman Vucinic also emphasised that, when considering the severity of the sentence, the Chamber "especially considered the mitigating circumstances" for Rasevic although he did not say which circumstances he was referring to.
"The eight and a half years sentence can fully serve the purpose of punishment. Concerning Serbian war criminal Savo Todovic, the Bosnian State Court determined that the twelve and a half years sentence is adequate bearing in mind the severity of the crime," Vucinic said.
The Defence attorneys of the two indictees said that they intended to file an appeal, as they were not content with the verdict.
The two Serbian war criminals were originally indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia at The Hague. In October 2006, as part of the ICTY's exit strategy, this case was referred to Bosnia for further processing.
In early 2007 the Bosnian State Court confirmed the amended indictment against Serbian war criminals Mitar Rasevic and Savo Todovic.
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The Bosnian State Court announced Serbian war criminals Mitar Rasevic and Savo Todovic are guilty of crimes against humanity committed at the concentration camp in the eastern Bosnian town of Foca and sentenced them to eight and a half and twelve and a half years imprisonment respectively.
They were also found guilty of having participated in joint criminal enterprise.
The time they have spent in custody will be credited towards their sentence. Rasevic has been in custody since August 2003 and Todovic since January 2005.
Serbian war criminals Todovic and Rasevic, between April 1992 to October 1994, participated in the mistreatment of more than 700 Bosnian civilians at the Foca concentration campnnnnnj. Rasevic was commander of guards, while Todovic was deputy commander of the concentration camp.
The announcement of the verdict started with an hour and a half delay. Upon his arrival to the courtroom, Trial Chamber Chairman Hilmo Vucinic said the delay was "just proof" that the three-day legal deadline "was not sufficient for these type of decisions."
The Bosnian State Court announced the two Serbian war criminals guilty of all counts in the indictment, but it acquitted them of the charges contained in two sub-counts, which charged them with having maintained the system of mistreatment of Bosnian civilians in the Foca concentration camp and with having ordered the guards to torture and murder detained Bosnian civilians.
According to the Trial Chamber, on the basis of the presented pieces of evidence it can be determined that the indictees were "aware of their positions and of all the happenings in the Foca concentration camp".
"Most of the witnesses were the foca concentration camp survivors. The Chamber is aware of the fact that they were not eyewitnesses to these events, but it decided to admit their statements, as they suffered incrimination and because their statements were more or less the same," Vucinic said.
Chairman Vucinic also emphasised that, when considering the severity of the sentence, the Chamber "especially considered the mitigating circumstances" for Rasevic although he did not say which circumstances he was referring to.
"The eight and a half years sentence can fully serve the purpose of punishment. Concerning Serbian war criminal Savo Todovic, the Bosnian State Court determined that the twelve and a half years sentence is adequate bearing in mind the severity of the crime," Vucinic said.
The Defence attorneys of the two indictees said that they intended to file an appeal, as they were not content with the verdict.
The two Serbian war criminals were originally indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia at The Hague. In October 2006, as part of the ICTY's exit strategy, this case was referred to Bosnia for further processing.
In early 2007 the Bosnian State Court confirmed the amended indictment against Serbian war criminals Mitar Rasevic and Savo Todovic.
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Thursday, February 28, 2008
TRIAL OF SERBIAN WAR CRIMINAL NOVAK DJUKIC TO BEGIN ON MARCH 11
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (February 28,2008) – Trial in the case against Serbian war criminal Novak Djukic, accused of war crimes against Bosnian civilians will begin on March 11, the Bosnian State court announced on Tuesday at the status conference.
The Bosnian state Prosecutor's Office alleges that, during the 1992-1995 Serbian aggression against Bosnia, on May 25, 1995, in the capacity of Commander of the genocidal paramilitary formations of the Serbians living in Bosnia (VRS), Serbian war criminal Novak Djukic ordered the genocidal Serbian aggressor's soldiers, located on Cerovo Brdo, Vrbak village at the mountain of Ozren, to fire a missile at a location in the centre of the eastern Bosnian city of Tuzla known as „Tuzlanska Kapija.“
As a result of the explosion of the missile, 71 Bosnian civilians were killed while 240 sustained injuries.Tuzla was declared a safe zone by a Resolution of the United Nations Secutiy Council issued on May 6, 1993.
Serbian war criminal Novak Djukic was arrested last year in the northern Bosnian city of Banja Luka by the Bosnian State Investigation and Protection Agency’s (SIPA).
Indictment against Serbian war criminal was raised on December 27,2007. It was confirmed bythe Bosnian State Court on January 4,2008.
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The Bosnian state Prosecutor's Office alleges that, during the 1992-1995 Serbian aggression against Bosnia, on May 25, 1995, in the capacity of Commander of the genocidal paramilitary formations of the Serbians living in Bosnia (VRS), Serbian war criminal Novak Djukic ordered the genocidal Serbian aggressor's soldiers, located on Cerovo Brdo, Vrbak village at the mountain of Ozren, to fire a missile at a location in the centre of the eastern Bosnian city of Tuzla known as „Tuzlanska Kapija.“
As a result of the explosion of the missile, 71 Bosnian civilians were killed while 240 sustained injuries.Tuzla was declared a safe zone by a Resolution of the United Nations Secutiy Council issued on May 6, 1993.
Serbian war criminal Novak Djukic was arrested last year in the northern Bosnian city of Banja Luka by the Bosnian State Investigation and Protection Agency’s (SIPA).
Indictment against Serbian war criminal was raised on December 27,2007. It was confirmed bythe Bosnian State Court on January 4,2008.
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Wednesday, February 27, 2008
BOSNIAN STATE COURT TO ANNOUNCE TOMORROW ITS VERDICT AGAINST SERBIAN WAR CRIMINALS MITAR RASEVIC AND SAVO TODOVIC
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (February 27,2008) – The Bosnian State Court said it will announce its verdict against Serbian war criminals Mitar Rasevic and Savo Todovic at the end of this week.The Trial Chamber said it will announce its verdict tomorrow,on February 28.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor alleges that Serbian war crimials Rasevic and Todovic participated in the establishment and maintenance of the system for murder and mistreatment of at least 700 Bosnian civilians held by the genocidal Serbian aggressor in the Foca concentration camp,during the 1992-1995 Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
The indictment claims that Rasevic was commander of guards, while Todovic was deputy concentration camp commander. The two Serbian war criminals are charged on the basis of their command and individual responsibility.
Calling for a verdict of release, the two indictees and their Defence teams said they considered that the Prosecution did not prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
In their closing arguments, Serbian war criminals Rasevic and Todovic denied having participated in the mistreatment and murder of Bosnian civilians and asked the Bosnian State Court to pass down "the only fair verdict, i.e. a verdict of release."
Defence attorney Slavisa Prodanovic stressed that Serbian war criminal Mitar Rasevic treated the Bosnian civilians in a "humane" manner and that in no way could he influence the conditions in the Foca concentration camp. He further said that he did not have the "power" to sanction other Serbian aggressor's soldiers "for whatever they did".
Prodanovic said that the indictment was "defective and imprecise" and repeated several times that it was "arbitrary." He added that the Prosecution had not managed to prove, "beyond reasonable doubt", any count from the indictment or the individual and command responsibility of his client.
"The Prosecution has based this case on one document, by which the Foca concentration camp commander appointed Rasevic as commander of guards. On the basis of this document, the Prosecution determined that he had the power to prevent the guards from doing something. His sole responsibility was to distribute the guards. All other issues were handled by the concentration camp commander," Prodanovic said.
Todovic's Defence attorneys also indicated that Serbian war criminal Milorad Krnojelac, the Foca concentration camp commander who was sentenced by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia to 15 years of imprisonment, was responsible for this concentration camp and that his client's responsibility was "not proved at all."
"The concentration camp commander had the responsibility for all detainees. However, his responsibilities were also limited," the second indictee's additional attorney Jovan Debelica said.
Serbian war criminal Mitar Rasevic said he helped the Bosnian civilians held in the Foca concentration camp "as much as he possibly could" and that he could not prevent anyone from taking them away "even if he told them to kill him first."
"I feel honoured and pleased when I see some of the witnesses whom I helped. To me, the fact that some people who used to be detained in the Facility greet and encourage me today represents the biggest moral satisfaction," he said.
Serbian war criminal Mitar Rasevic also added that he felt sympathy for the families of those Bosnian civilians murdered and the survivors who had been detained in the Foca concentration camp. He also pointed out that it would be unfair to them should the Bosnian State Court pronounce him guilty as, in that case, "the actual perpetrators would remain unpunished."
Serbian war criminal Savo Todovic did not deny that conditions in the Foca concentration camp were "difficult". However, he said that this was a result of "objective circumstances" and was not his fault. He also pointed out that he was glad because "this agony" was finally over.
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The Bosnian State Prosecutor alleges that Serbian war crimials Rasevic and Todovic participated in the establishment and maintenance of the system for murder and mistreatment of at least 700 Bosnian civilians held by the genocidal Serbian aggressor in the Foca concentration camp,during the 1992-1995 Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
The indictment claims that Rasevic was commander of guards, while Todovic was deputy concentration camp commander. The two Serbian war criminals are charged on the basis of their command and individual responsibility.
Calling for a verdict of release, the two indictees and their Defence teams said they considered that the Prosecution did not prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
In their closing arguments, Serbian war criminals Rasevic and Todovic denied having participated in the mistreatment and murder of Bosnian civilians and asked the Bosnian State Court to pass down "the only fair verdict, i.e. a verdict of release."
Defence attorney Slavisa Prodanovic stressed that Serbian war criminal Mitar Rasevic treated the Bosnian civilians in a "humane" manner and that in no way could he influence the conditions in the Foca concentration camp. He further said that he did not have the "power" to sanction other Serbian aggressor's soldiers "for whatever they did".
Prodanovic said that the indictment was "defective and imprecise" and repeated several times that it was "arbitrary." He added that the Prosecution had not managed to prove, "beyond reasonable doubt", any count from the indictment or the individual and command responsibility of his client.
"The Prosecution has based this case on one document, by which the Foca concentration camp commander appointed Rasevic as commander of guards. On the basis of this document, the Prosecution determined that he had the power to prevent the guards from doing something. His sole responsibility was to distribute the guards. All other issues were handled by the concentration camp commander," Prodanovic said.
Todovic's Defence attorneys also indicated that Serbian war criminal Milorad Krnojelac, the Foca concentration camp commander who was sentenced by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia to 15 years of imprisonment, was responsible for this concentration camp and that his client's responsibility was "not proved at all."
"The concentration camp commander had the responsibility for all detainees. However, his responsibilities were also limited," the second indictee's additional attorney Jovan Debelica said.
Serbian war criminal Mitar Rasevic said he helped the Bosnian civilians held in the Foca concentration camp "as much as he possibly could" and that he could not prevent anyone from taking them away "even if he told them to kill him first."
"I feel honoured and pleased when I see some of the witnesses whom I helped. To me, the fact that some people who used to be detained in the Facility greet and encourage me today represents the biggest moral satisfaction," he said.
Serbian war criminal Mitar Rasevic also added that he felt sympathy for the families of those Bosnian civilians murdered and the survivors who had been detained in the Foca concentration camp. He also pointed out that it would be unfair to them should the Bosnian State Court pronounce him guilty as, in that case, "the actual perpetrators would remain unpunished."
Serbian war criminal Savo Todovic did not deny that conditions in the Foca concentration camp were "difficult". However, he said that this was a result of "objective circumstances" and was not his fault. He also pointed out that he was glad because "this agony" was finally over.
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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
BOSNIAN STATE PROSECUTOR COMPLETED PRESENTING EVIDENCE AGAINST THREE SERBIAN WAR CRIMINALS CHARGED WITH MASS MURDER OF 23 BOSNIAN CIVILIANS
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (February 26,2008) – The Bosnian State Prosecutor has completed presenting its evidence against three Serbian war criminals charged with the mass murder of 23 Bosnian civilians in Jajce municipality,during the early stages of the 1992-1995 Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
Dr Hamza Zujo was cross-examined by the Bosnian State Prosecutor as the last witness.Zujo said he concluded, on the basis of assessment of the corpses, that 22 out of 23 Bosnian civilians, had injuries caused by firearms.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Serbian war criminals Mirko (son of Spiro) Pekez, Mirko (son of Mile) Pekez and Milorad Savic with having participated in gathering Bosnian civilians from Ljoljici and Cerkazovici villages on September 10, 1992. After that, they took them to Tisovac, where they murdered them. The indictment alleges that 23 Bosnian civilians were murdered by the genocidal Serbian aggressor and four were wounded on that occasion.
"Asmer Zobic's body was the only one without firearms injuries," Dr Zujo said, explaining that he considered that, in the case of this victim, a bullet passed through the body without damaging any bones.
Asked by Slavica Cvoro, Defence attorney of Serbian war criminal Mirko (Spiro) Pekez, which type of weapons had been used, Zujo said that he did not "want to get involved in the issues of ballistics."
At the end of the presentation of evidence, Prosecutor Mirko Lecic presented the remaining pieces of material evidence, including death certificates for 23 murdered Bosnians issued by the City Cemetery in Visoko.
The trial of Serbian war criminals Mirko (Spiro) Pekez, Mirko (Mile) Pekez and Milorad Savic is due to continue before the Bosnian State Court on February 29, when the first indictee's Defence will examine its first witnesses.
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Dr Hamza Zujo was cross-examined by the Bosnian State Prosecutor as the last witness.Zujo said he concluded, on the basis of assessment of the corpses, that 22 out of 23 Bosnian civilians, had injuries caused by firearms.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Serbian war criminals Mirko (son of Spiro) Pekez, Mirko (son of Mile) Pekez and Milorad Savic with having participated in gathering Bosnian civilians from Ljoljici and Cerkazovici villages on September 10, 1992. After that, they took them to Tisovac, where they murdered them. The indictment alleges that 23 Bosnian civilians were murdered by the genocidal Serbian aggressor and four were wounded on that occasion.
"Asmer Zobic's body was the only one without firearms injuries," Dr Zujo said, explaining that he considered that, in the case of this victim, a bullet passed through the body without damaging any bones.
Asked by Slavica Cvoro, Defence attorney of Serbian war criminal Mirko (Spiro) Pekez, which type of weapons had been used, Zujo said that he did not "want to get involved in the issues of ballistics."
At the end of the presentation of evidence, Prosecutor Mirko Lecic presented the remaining pieces of material evidence, including death certificates for 23 murdered Bosnians issued by the City Cemetery in Visoko.
The trial of Serbian war criminals Mirko (Spiro) Pekez, Mirko (Mile) Pekez and Milorad Savic is due to continue before the Bosnian State Court on February 29, when the first indictee's Defence will examine its first witnesses.
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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
TWO WITNESSES GAVE CONTRADICTORY STATEMENTS AT TRIAL OF SERBIAN WAR CRIMINAL ZELJKO MEJAKIC
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (February 20,2008) – Two witnesses, invited by the Defence of Serbian war criminals Zeljko Mejakic and Dusko Knezevic, have given contradictory statements yesterday before the Bosnian State Court concerning indictee Mejakic's function in the Omarska concentration camp in 1992,during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
Answering the Prosecution's questions during cross-examination, witness Nada Markovski, who was a typist in the Omarska concentration camp in 1992, said that she "supposed" that Serbian war criminal Zeljko Mejakic "was in charge" of the Serbian aggressor's soldiers who guarded the Bosnian civilians in the Omarska concentration camp.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Serbian war criminals Zeljko Mejakic, Momcilo Gruban, Dusan Fustar and Knezevic with having committed crimes against humanity against the Bosnian civilians held in the Omarska and Keraterm concentration camps in Prijedor municipality in the early stages of the Serbian aggression against Bosnia from April until the end of 1992.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor considers that Serbian war criminal Zeljko Mejakic was the commander of the Omarska concentration camp.
Witness Markovski claims to have arrived at Omarska, "as per an order issued by Simo Drljaca", former member of the genocidal paramilitary formations of the Serbians living in Bosnia, in late May 1992.
Markovski added that, from time to time, she heard "crying and screaming" and saw injured people.
Answering the Bosnian State Prosecutor Peter Kidd's questions during the cross-examination, the witness said she "did not know" who was the commander of the Omarska concentration camp.
The Prosecutor presented her with her earlier statements, given at the trials of Serbian war criminal Miroslav Kvocka in February 2001 and Serbian war criminal Milomir Stakic in January 2003, when she said that Serbian war criminal ZeljkoMejakic was the commander of the Omarska concentration camp.
The witness also claims to have seen Serbian war criminal Momcilo Gruban in the Omarska concentration camp from time to time.
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague sentenced Miroslav Kvocka to seven years' imprisonment for crimes committed in the Omarska and Keraterm concentration camps, and Serbian war criminal Milomir Stakic was sentenced to 40 years of imprisonment.
Witness Radovan Kecan, former policeman from Prijedor, denied that Serbian war criminal Zeljko Mejakic was commander of the Omarska concentration camp, claiming that he was only "a chief of the patrol section".
Kecan thinks that Serbian war criminal Simo Drljaca was commander of the Omarska concentration camp.Serbian war criminal Simo Drljaca was killed in Bosnia during an arrest operation conducted in July 1997.
The trial of Serbian war criminals Zeljko Mejakic, Momcilo Gruban, Dusan Fustar and Knezevic is due to continue before the Bosnian State Court today,on February 20, when one witness will be examined and material evidence presented.
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Answering the Prosecution's questions during cross-examination, witness Nada Markovski, who was a typist in the Omarska concentration camp in 1992, said that she "supposed" that Serbian war criminal Zeljko Mejakic "was in charge" of the Serbian aggressor's soldiers who guarded the Bosnian civilians in the Omarska concentration camp.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Serbian war criminals Zeljko Mejakic, Momcilo Gruban, Dusan Fustar and Knezevic with having committed crimes against humanity against the Bosnian civilians held in the Omarska and Keraterm concentration camps in Prijedor municipality in the early stages of the Serbian aggression against Bosnia from April until the end of 1992.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor considers that Serbian war criminal Zeljko Mejakic was the commander of the Omarska concentration camp.
Witness Markovski claims to have arrived at Omarska, "as per an order issued by Simo Drljaca", former member of the genocidal paramilitary formations of the Serbians living in Bosnia, in late May 1992.
Markovski added that, from time to time, she heard "crying and screaming" and saw injured people.
Answering the Bosnian State Prosecutor Peter Kidd's questions during the cross-examination, the witness said she "did not know" who was the commander of the Omarska concentration camp.
The Prosecutor presented her with her earlier statements, given at the trials of Serbian war criminal Miroslav Kvocka in February 2001 and Serbian war criminal Milomir Stakic in January 2003, when she said that Serbian war criminal ZeljkoMejakic was the commander of the Omarska concentration camp.
The witness also claims to have seen Serbian war criminal Momcilo Gruban in the Omarska concentration camp from time to time.
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague sentenced Miroslav Kvocka to seven years' imprisonment for crimes committed in the Omarska and Keraterm concentration camps, and Serbian war criminal Milomir Stakic was sentenced to 40 years of imprisonment.
Witness Radovan Kecan, former policeman from Prijedor, denied that Serbian war criminal Zeljko Mejakic was commander of the Omarska concentration camp, claiming that he was only "a chief of the patrol section".
Kecan thinks that Serbian war criminal Simo Drljaca was commander of the Omarska concentration camp.Serbian war criminal Simo Drljaca was killed in Bosnia during an arrest operation conducted in July 1997.
The trial of Serbian war criminals Zeljko Mejakic, Momcilo Gruban, Dusan Fustar and Knezevic is due to continue before the Bosnian State Court today,on February 20, when one witness will be examined and material evidence presented.
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Monday, February 18, 2008
TRIAL OF THREE SERBIAN WAR CRIMINALS CHARGED WITH MURDER OF 23 BOSNIAN CIVILIANS TO CONTINUE TODAY
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (February 18,2008) – At the trial of Serbian war criminals Milorad Savic, Mirko (son of Spiro) Pekez and Mirko (son of Mile) Pekez before the Bosnian State Court ,Prosecution witness Fahrija Mutic recognised Serbian war criminal Milorad Savic and said that he participated, together with other Serbian aggressor's soldiers, in the mass murder of a group of Bosnian civilians in the Bosnian village of Tisovac in September 1992,during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
The witness claims that the two Serbian war criminals named Pekez also participated in the mass murder.The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Serbian war criminals Milorad Savic, Mirko (Spiro) Pekez and Mirko (Mile) Pekez with murdering of 23 Bosnian civilians from Ljoljici and Cerkazovici villages in Jajce municipality.
The indictment alleges that the three former members of the genocidal paramilitary forces of the Serbians living in Bosnia (VRS) and reserve police forces detained Bosnian civilians from these two villages, took them to Tisovac, and murdered them on September 10, 1992. According to the indictment, four Bosnian civilans survived the mass murder. Prosecution witness Fahrija Mutic was one of them.
The witness said how two Serbian aggressor's soldiers came to the house in which he and a group of other Bosnian civilians were hiding on September 10, 1992.
"Jovo Jandric and Mirko (Mile) Pekez knocked on the door and took us out. They were armed. Jovo told us that we were going to be exchanged and we believed him," the witness said, adding that he saw Serbian war criminal Milorad Savic on the way.
The witness said that the Bosnian civilians were taken by the genocidal Serbian aggressor to a meadow, where they were asked to put away their money and jewelry. He claims to have also seen Serbian war criminal Mirko (Spiro) Pekez on the way to the meadow.
"When we came to the meadow, they ordered us to stand by the abyss and then we heard shooting," the witness said, adding that he survived the shooting because his cousin's body protected him from bullets.
Second Prosecution witness Dragan Nisic said that, in September, Nedjeljko Jandric, a former member of the genocidal paramilitary formations of the Serbians living in Bosnia, told him to check the news on the mass murder.
"On our way we met a Bosnian, who told us that Jovo Jandric was among the soldiers who had done the shooting," the witness said.
The Prosecution's indictment alleges that Serbian war criminal Jovo Jandric was an accomplice in the shooting.
"After that we met a man who claimed to have survived the shooting. He also said that Mirko Pekez, Milorad Savic and Zoran Maric were among the group of soldiers who had taken them. We also met a boy who had survived the shooting and this shook me up very much. The boy had a wound made by bullet and his ear was dangling," Nisic said.
The witness added that he "saw a scary scene at the location where the execution had taken place".
"There were bodies of killed civilians lying over each other and there were many spent bullets around them," Nisic recalled.
Witness Dragan Zdrnja also recalled the scene he saw at the location of the mass murder.
"I was very scared as I had never seen so many dead people. They were all civilians. I went back in a van, together with three wounded civilians. I took them to the ambulance," Zdrnja said, adding that he heard later that Serbian war criminal Jovo Jandric was involved in the execution.
The trial of Serbian war criminals Milorad Savic, Mirko (Spiro) Pekez and Mirko (Mile) Pekez is due to continue before the Bosnian State Court today, February 18, 2008.
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The witness claims that the two Serbian war criminals named Pekez also participated in the mass murder.The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Serbian war criminals Milorad Savic, Mirko (Spiro) Pekez and Mirko (Mile) Pekez with murdering of 23 Bosnian civilians from Ljoljici and Cerkazovici villages in Jajce municipality.
The indictment alleges that the three former members of the genocidal paramilitary forces of the Serbians living in Bosnia (VRS) and reserve police forces detained Bosnian civilians from these two villages, took them to Tisovac, and murdered them on September 10, 1992. According to the indictment, four Bosnian civilans survived the mass murder. Prosecution witness Fahrija Mutic was one of them.
The witness said how two Serbian aggressor's soldiers came to the house in which he and a group of other Bosnian civilians were hiding on September 10, 1992.
"Jovo Jandric and Mirko (Mile) Pekez knocked on the door and took us out. They were armed. Jovo told us that we were going to be exchanged and we believed him," the witness said, adding that he saw Serbian war criminal Milorad Savic on the way.
The witness said that the Bosnian civilians were taken by the genocidal Serbian aggressor to a meadow, where they were asked to put away their money and jewelry. He claims to have also seen Serbian war criminal Mirko (Spiro) Pekez on the way to the meadow.
"When we came to the meadow, they ordered us to stand by the abyss and then we heard shooting," the witness said, adding that he survived the shooting because his cousin's body protected him from bullets.
Second Prosecution witness Dragan Nisic said that, in September, Nedjeljko Jandric, a former member of the genocidal paramilitary formations of the Serbians living in Bosnia, told him to check the news on the mass murder.
"On our way we met a Bosnian, who told us that Jovo Jandric was among the soldiers who had done the shooting," the witness said.
The Prosecution's indictment alleges that Serbian war criminal Jovo Jandric was an accomplice in the shooting.
"After that we met a man who claimed to have survived the shooting. He also said that Mirko Pekez, Milorad Savic and Zoran Maric were among the group of soldiers who had taken them. We also met a boy who had survived the shooting and this shook me up very much. The boy had a wound made by bullet and his ear was dangling," Nisic said.
The witness added that he "saw a scary scene at the location where the execution had taken place".
"There were bodies of killed civilians lying over each other and there were many spent bullets around them," Nisic recalled.
Witness Dragan Zdrnja also recalled the scene he saw at the location of the mass murder.
"I was very scared as I had never seen so many dead people. They were all civilians. I went back in a van, together with three wounded civilians. I took them to the ambulance," Zdrnja said, adding that he heard later that Serbian war criminal Jovo Jandric was involved in the execution.
The trial of Serbian war criminals Milorad Savic, Mirko (Spiro) Pekez and Mirko (Mile) Pekez is due to continue before the Bosnian State Court today, February 18, 2008.
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Saturday, February 16, 2008
BOSNIAN STATE COURT ORDERED CUSTODY FOR SERBIAN WAR CRIMINAL MIODRAG NIKICEVIC
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (February 16,2008) - The Bosnian State Court issued a decision ordering Serbian war criminal Miodrag Nikacevic into one-month custody. Pursuant to the Decision, custody may last until March 14.
In its motion for custody, the Bosnian Prosecutor’s Office submits that there is grounded suspicion that Serbian war criminal Miodrag Nikacevic, in mid April 1992,during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia,raped a Bosnian woman.
Further in its motion, the Bosnian Prosecutor’s Office alleges that in mid June 1992, Serbian war criminal Miodrag Nikicevic raped another Bosnian woman.
Also,n August 2, 1992, as alleged in the Bosnian Prosecutor’s motion, armed and together with two other members of the genocidal paramilitary formations of the Serbians living in Bosnia, Serbian war criminal Miodrag Nikicevic took part in taking away, and later on in the unlawful detention of a Bosnian civilian who was then killed by the genocidal Serbian aggressor at an unknown location.
Having reviewed the evidence submitted, the Bosnian State Court concluded that there was grounded suspicion that Serbian war criminal Miodrag Nikicevic had committed the criminal offence in question.
Further, the Bosnian State Court ordered his custody having found that if released, Serbian war criminal would hinder the criminal proceedings by influencing witnesses, accessories, or accomplices.
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In its motion for custody, the Bosnian Prosecutor’s Office submits that there is grounded suspicion that Serbian war criminal Miodrag Nikacevic, in mid April 1992,during the Serbian aggression against Bosnia,raped a Bosnian woman.
Further in its motion, the Bosnian Prosecutor’s Office alleges that in mid June 1992, Serbian war criminal Miodrag Nikicevic raped another Bosnian woman.
Also,n August 2, 1992, as alleged in the Bosnian Prosecutor’s motion, armed and together with two other members of the genocidal paramilitary formations of the Serbians living in Bosnia, Serbian war criminal Miodrag Nikicevic took part in taking away, and later on in the unlawful detention of a Bosnian civilian who was then killed by the genocidal Serbian aggressor at an unknown location.
Having reviewed the evidence submitted, the Bosnian State Court concluded that there was grounded suspicion that Serbian war criminal Miodrag Nikicevic had committed the criminal offence in question.
Further, the Bosnian State Court ordered his custody having found that if released, Serbian war criminal would hinder the criminal proceedings by influencing witnesses, accessories, or accomplices.
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Monday, January 28, 2008
BOSNIAN STATE COURT: TRIAL OF SERBIAN WAR CRIMINAL MIRKO PEKEZ TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY
SARAJEVO, Bosnia (January 28,2008) - At the status conference the Bosnian State Court decided to begin the main trial in the case against Serbian war criminals Mirko (Spiro) Pekez, Mirko (Mile) Pekez and Milorad Savic on February 8, instead of January 31, as planned earlier.
The decision was made because Serbian war criminal Mirko (Mile) Pekez has been unable to follow the trial due to "deafness", according to his attorney Dusko Panic.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Serbian war criminals Mirko (Spiro) Pekez, Mirko (Mile) Pekez and Milorad Savic with war crime against Bosnian civilians committed during the 1992-1995 Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
The indictment alleges that the three former members of the genocidal paramilitary forces of the Serbians living in Bosnia participated in the capture and mass murder of Bosnian civilians from Ljoljici and Cerkazovici villages in Jajce Municipality" on September 10, 1992.
Zoran Kalaba, recently deceased, was originally Serbian war criminal Mirko (son of Mile) Pekez' Defence attorney. He was replaced by attorney Dusko Panic.
Panic said he has not been able to communicate with his client due to his condition. The only way the two of them can communicate is by exchanging written notes or if the client reads the attorney's lips.
Panic said that his request for a medical examination of his client was rejected. Trial Chamber Chairman said he would personally make sure that this was resolved.
At the status conference the Bosnian State Prosecutor announced that he intends to examine 11 witnesses and a medical court expert and present 63 pieces of material evidence in the upcoming period.
Slavica Cvoro,attorney for Serbian war criminal Mirko (Spiro) Pekez, and Nebojsa Pantic, Defence attorney of Serbian war criminal Milorad Savic, announced that they will examine five witnesses each. Dusko Panic, who represents Serbian war criminal Mirko (Mile) Pekez, was not able to say how many witnesses he will summon.
The eventual extension or termination of custody for the three Serbian war criminals was also discussed at the status conference.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor Mirko Lekic said that there were strong reasons for keeping the indictees in custody. The Defence teams responded by arguing that these reasons were no longer justified, as the indictees have never tried to escape or to influence witnesses. They suggested introducing certain restraining measures instead of custody.
The decision was made because Serbian war criminal Mirko (Mile) Pekez has been unable to follow the trial due to "deafness", according to his attorney Dusko Panic.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor charges Serbian war criminals Mirko (Spiro) Pekez, Mirko (Mile) Pekez and Milorad Savic with war crime against Bosnian civilians committed during the 1992-1995 Serbian aggression against Bosnia.
The indictment alleges that the three former members of the genocidal paramilitary forces of the Serbians living in Bosnia participated in the capture and mass murder of Bosnian civilians from Ljoljici and Cerkazovici villages in Jajce Municipality" on September 10, 1992.
Zoran Kalaba, recently deceased, was originally Serbian war criminal Mirko (son of Mile) Pekez' Defence attorney. He was replaced by attorney Dusko Panic.
Panic said he has not been able to communicate with his client due to his condition. The only way the two of them can communicate is by exchanging written notes or if the client reads the attorney's lips.
Panic said that his request for a medical examination of his client was rejected. Trial Chamber Chairman said he would personally make sure that this was resolved.
At the status conference the Bosnian State Prosecutor announced that he intends to examine 11 witnesses and a medical court expert and present 63 pieces of material evidence in the upcoming period.
Slavica Cvoro,attorney for Serbian war criminal Mirko (Spiro) Pekez, and Nebojsa Pantic, Defence attorney of Serbian war criminal Milorad Savic, announced that they will examine five witnesses each. Dusko Panic, who represents Serbian war criminal Mirko (Mile) Pekez, was not able to say how many witnesses he will summon.
The eventual extension or termination of custody for the three Serbian war criminals was also discussed at the status conference.
The Bosnian State Prosecutor Mirko Lekic said that there were strong reasons for keeping the indictees in custody. The Defence teams responded by arguing that these reasons were no longer justified, as the indictees have never tried to escape or to influence witnesses. They suggested introducing certain restraining measures instead of custody.
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