Kovac: Capable of Attending Trial

Acting on a warrant issued by the Trial Chamber, Dr Marija Kaucic-Komsic and Radojka Golijan assessed the state of health of indictee Ante Kovac and determined that he is “capable of attending hearings, provided they do not last for more than four hours per day”.

“I do not feel capable of attending the trial. I am capable of dying only. I do not feel well. I have vertigo and headache,” Kovac said, disputing the court experts’ findings.

The Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina charges Kovac, former Commander of the Military Police Squad with the Vitez Brigade of the Croatian Defence Council, HVO, with taking part in the capture and detention of Bosniaks in various buildings in Vitez Municipality, and with raping two women.

Dr Kaucic-Komsic told the Court that Kovac’s “health has improved”, explaining that his condition is currently stable.

“His problem is more of a psycho-somatic nature,” she said.

Dusko Tomic, Defence attorney for Kovac, called on the Court to order a CAT scan of the indictee’s neck and spine, as well as a scan of his lungs and heart, as this might lead to “changing the findings and opinion, once the new results have been received”. The Trial Chamber agreed. 

The Defence asked Dr Kaucic-Komsic to specify whether it would be easier for Kovac, “from the medical point of view”, to defend himself while at liberty. She responded by saying that this was “nothing but a hypothetical statement”.

Kovac has been in custody since February 1, 2008. His trial began in August 2008.

The next hearing is due to take place on May 14, 2009, when the three remaining Defence witnesses will be examined.