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“We have been informed that the indictee received the previous hearing invitation and a decision on appointment of his Defence attorney. However, we have not been informed by Interpol whether he has been notified about this hearing in a timely manner,” Judge Jasmina Kosovic said.
The indictment, charging Stjepanovic with having participated, together with four other members of the Republika Srpska Army, VRS, in capturing 14 Bosniak civilians in Borkovac village, Bratunac municipality, on May 20, 1992, was filed in November 2009.
The Prosecution contends that the indictee mistreated the captured civilians, took away their money and, in collaboration with a group o soldiers, participated in shooting them. Seven people were allegedly killed on this occasion.
A warrant for Stjepanovic’s arrest was issued in 2007. Data available to the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina suggest that he has citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Serbia.
“On the basis of these documents, I notice that the Serbian police’s report indicates that the indictee personally signed the invitation. I think this clearly shows that he does not want to appear in court,” Prosecutor Adnan Gulamovic said.
The Court will forward additional information about the indictee’s place of residence to Interpol. A new plea hearing is due to take place on October 8, 2010.
The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has pronounced second instance verdicts against Mirko Todorovic, sentencing him to 13 years in prison, and Milos Radic, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison, for crimes committed in Borkovac. Todorovic fled following his and Radic’s release from custody. A warrant for his arrest has been issued.
