Radic et al: Trial Goes on Behind Closed Doors

Cross-examination of the protected witness J, that started on Friday, 29th June, has continued without the presence of the public.

This is the fifth hearing for the crimes committed in Vojno detention camp near Mostar which has been closed to the public, and the fourth time that the public has not been informed of the Prosecution’s reasons for requesting the exclusion of the public or the reasons behind the judges’ decision.

“Having in mind that, before the examination of this witness, we made a decision to exclude the public from the trial, I conclude that the same decision also applies to the cross-examination,” said Stanisa Gluhajic, chairman of the trial chamber.

Marko Radic, Dragan Sunjic, Damir Brekalo and Mirko Vracevic, all former members of the Croatian Defence Council (HVO), are charged with committing crimes in Vojno detention camp. All four are indicted for having participated, during 1993 and 1994, in torture, murder, rape and use as forced labour of Bosniaks detained in Vojno camp.

The indictment alleges that Radic was a commander of “Ivan Stanic Cico” commandos squad, and later a commander of the Bijelo polje Battalion within the 2nd HVO Brigade. The Prosecution considers him responsible for the functioning of Vojno detention camp.

According to the indictment, Sunjic was Radic’s deputy, while Brekalo and Vracevic were members of the Bijelo polje Battalion and, allegedly, guards in Vojno detention camp.

The Prosecution charges Radic and Sunjic with both command and personal responsibility for the events listed in the indictment.