Veselinovic: Witnesses ask for protection measures
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The continuation of the trial of Rade Veselinovic has been postponed because the State Prosecution has filed a motion, requesting the introduction of protection measures in favour of two witnesses.
“Prior to this hearing I spoke to the witnesses, who asked for protection measures, including exclusion of the public, claiming that they were exposed to certain pressures after having testified at some other trial,” said Prosecutor Vesna Budimir, who replaced Prosecutor Milorad Barasin at this hearing.
The Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina charges Rade Veselinovic with crimes against humanity committed against the non-Serbian population in Hadzici municipality.
The indictment alleges that Veselinovic, as member of the Military Police Squad with the Republika Srpska Army, participated in “the murder, forcible resettlement, detention and causing of suffering and bodily injuries”.
Budimir explained that, “due to media reports”, witnesses, who appeared at the trial of Boro Krsmanovic before the Cantonal Court in Sarajevo, “are judged and threatened by other citizens, who qualify them as good or bad Bosniaks”.
Boro Krsmanovic was sentenced, by a first instance verdict, to four years’ imprisonment for war crimes.
The Trial Chamber asked the Prosecutor to submit the proposal for the introduction of protection measures, as well as an explanation, to the Chamber in writing. After that the Chamber will render its decision concerning the request.
The trial is due to continue on October 14.
