Mejakic et al: Material Evidence about Omarska Camp

The Prosecution of BiH has begun presenting its material evidence against the four indictees charged with crimes committed against civilians detained in Omarska and Keraterm detention camps.

The first piece of evidence presented is a decree on the establishment of Omarska detention camp, signed by Simo Drljaca, former Chief of Public Security Centre in Prijedor, on 31 May 1992. Drljaca was killed in 1996.

By this decree, Ljubija, a former mine complex in Omarska, was transferred into a “captured persons’ collection centre”. The decree also ordered that the whole complex be surrounded by wire and mined and that the treatment of “the captured persons should be done in accordance with the situation”. In addition, it determined that the mine management should engage miners on tasks “to be allocated at a later stage”.

The Prosecution of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) originally charged Zeljko Mejakic, Momcilo Gruban, Dusan Fustar and Dusko Knezevic with crimes committed in these detention camps. As per a motion filed by the ICTY prosecution, the case of Mejakic et al was referred to Sarajevo for further processing.

The indictment alleges that Omarska detention camp was established at the end of May 1992. It further alleges that about 3,000 Croats and Bosniaks were detained in that camp. At the same time, Keraterm camp was also formed within a former ceramic equipment factory. The two camps were closed in August 1992, after being visited by foreign journalists. The detainees were then transferred to Trnopolje and Manjaca detention camps.

According to the indictment, indictee Zeljko Mejakic was commander of Omarska detention camp from 24 May to 30 August 1992, Momcilo Gruban, known as Ckalja, was guard shift commander and Dusan Fustar was one of the three guard commanders in Keraterm detention camp from 24 May to 30 August 1992.

The witnesses and the indictment allege that Dusko Knezevic visited Keraterm detention camp and “participated in torturing and beating of prisoners that happened every day”.

As suggested by the Trial Chamber, the presentation of material evidence shall continue on Friday, 5 October. Until that date, the Prosecution of BiH and the defence teams are expected to agree on a list of material evidence that both parties find acceptable as determined facts.

“The Chamber has decided that you are to agree on the list of evidence acceptable to both parties. You are also expected to define the pieces of evidence against which you have some objections,” Trial Chamber Chairman Saban Maksumic said.

The trial is due to continue on 4 October when the Prosecution will examine one more witness.