Alic: Prosecution’s Material Evidence

By presenting its material evidence, the Prosecution of BiH has completed the first part of the evidence presentation process against Sefik Alic, who is charged with war crimes against prisoners of war. The Prosecution has announced that it intends to examine one more witness via video link “if the technical conditions are met”.

Alic, a former assistant battalion commander for security, is being held responsible for having failed to investigate the murder of four Republika Srpska Krajina Army members in the course of the “Oluja” military operation in August 1995. The soldiers were captured by members of the “Hamze” Battalion of the 505th Buzim Brigade with the Fifth Corps of BiH Army. The indictment alleges that the murder was perpetrated by Tewfik al Harbi, who is currently on the run.

The Prosecution presented, as material evidence, reports on the examination of witnesses, death certificates and missing persons cards for the four murdered soldiers, the indictee’s military book and military card, as well as some other military documents.

At this stage, the court did not admit as evidence the statements given by Alic during the investigation as both witness and suspect in 2005 and 2006. Trial Chamber Chairwoman Minka Kreho explained that the Prosecution would only be allowed to present those statements if Alic was invited to be a Defence witness.

Defence attorney Mirza Kovac filed objections concerning the “lawfulness of certain pieces of evidence”, claiming “it is not clear whether they are originals or copies”. The Defence disputed the report of the “Hamza” unit, dated February 25, 1995, which was presented by the prosecution. The prosecutor concluded that this report was “most probably signed on behalf of Sefik Alic”, as it contains his initials.

At the next hearing, scheduled on January 15, the Defence will present its evidence presentation plan. As announced by Kovac, the presentation will last for four days. The Defence has announced the examination of three witnesses and one court expert who will speak about military affairs.