Koricanske stijene: More Than 50 Defence Witnesses
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At the trial for crimes committed at Koricanske stijene in August 1992, the Defence said they would examine more than 50 witnesses and two court experts. As announced, most of the witnesses will be drivers, who will speak about the circumstances related to the formation and departure of the convoy from Prijedor to Koricanske stijene on Mount Vlasic.
The Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina charges Zoran Babic, Milorad Radakovic, Milorad Skrbic, Ljubisa Cetic, Dusan Jankovic and Zeljko Stojnic, former members of the Interventions Squad with the Public Safety Station in Prijedor, with having participated in escorting a convoy consisting of more than 1,200 civilians who were to be exchanged in Travnik.
The six men are charged with having participated in shooting about 200 men at Koricanske stijene.
Ranko Dakic, Defence attorney of Dusan Jankovic, announced that he would examine 50 witnesses. Trial Chamber Chairwoman Minka Kreho rejected his proposal, explaining that there was no need for so many witnesses and asking the Defence attorney to “reduce” the list of witnesses “to a reasonable number of 27”.
The indictment alleges that Dusan Jankovic ordered and, together with the other indictees, “committed, participated in and helped in” the preparation and commission of persecution of the non-Serb population.
The Defence of Milorad Radakovic proposed that Gordan Djuric be examined, among others. Prosecutor Vesna Terzic objected to this proposal.
“Gordan Djuric appeared as a Prosecution witness at this trial. Each Defence attorney had a chance to examine him directly. At the time the Defence of Milorad Radakovic did not do it. I consider that the Court should not give it an opportunity to do this now,” Terzic said.
After having admitted guilt and concluded an agreement with the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gordan Djuric was pronounced guilty of war crimes against civilians committed at Koricanske stijene in August 1992. The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina sentenced him to eight years in prison.
It was decided that the first two Defence witnesses would testify on December 8, 2009.
