Lelek: Defence continues presenting evidence

The Trial Chamber sitting in the case of Zeljko Lelek has approved the additional evidence presentation as requested by the Defence.

Although the Prosecution stressed, once again, that the presenting of evidence by the Defence had lasted for more than 10 months, the Chamber approved the request for examination of three additional witnesses and the presentation of one piece of material evidence.

The Chamber decided that one witness would be examined as Defence witness, while two witnesses, who testified as Prosecution witnesses in an earlier stage of the trial, will be invited to testify as Court witnesses.

The indictee presented his objections against the amended indictment, which was submitted by the Prosecution to the Chamber on March 31. The indictment is still not available to the public. Lelek said that the amendments were good for him.

It was said in the courtroom that the Prosecution decided to dismiss two counts in the indictment, referring to the crimes which linked Lelek to Milan Lukic’ paramilitary group members. Lukic has been indicted and he is currently in The Hague, awaiting his trial to commence.

The Prosecution claims that some minor changes have been introduced in the remaining four counts in the indictment. Those changes were made on the basis of the evidence presented during the main trial.

The next hearing is due to take place on May 5.