Kovac: Trial to start in August

The trial of Ante Kovac, who is charged with war crimes against civilians committed in Vitez area, in central Bosnia, before the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina is due to commence on August 13, when the indictment will be read. The Prosecution will present its introductory arguments on the same day.

The State Prosecution will examine its first witnesses on August 15. 

The indictment alleges that Kovac was commander of the Military Police Squad with the Vitez Brigade of the Croatian Defence Council, HVO, in Vitez area in 1993. The Prosecution charges him with mistreatment and rape, as well as capture and detention, in the premises of Radnicki University, of a group of sick civilians, who were transported by the Red Cross Committee to Zenica for medical treatment.

In early April the indictee pleaded not guilty of the count charging him with the participation in these crimes. 

At the status conference the Prosecution announced that it would need “up to 15 days” for evidence presenting. Prosecutor Mirko Lecic said that he would not file a request for admission of the facts, determined by the Hague Tribunal. 

Four Prosecution witnesses will be granted protective measures. They will testify with no presence of the public.

The Defence said that it would like to receive, before the commencement of the evidence presenting process, copies of the notes made during the examination of the protected witnesses. This request was made in order for the Defence to prepare itself for examination of those witnesses. 

Once again Ante Kovac told the Court that his health state was very bad. Trial Chamber Chairman Saban Maksumic responded by saying that “the Court shall continue taking care” of his health protection. 

Kovac was arrested in late January this year. The indictment against him was confirmed in March 2008.