‘Batko’ Extradition Postponed

“Yesterday afternoon we were informed, via Interpol, that the extradition process was to be withheld. We are rather surprised by the decision, because when we discussed the extradition with them, the Spanish authorities said they wanted it to be done before the end of the month,” State Prosecution spokesperson Boris Grubesic said.

The Spanish government approved Vlahovic’s extradition on July 23.

The decision to keep him in Spain was made after a judge obtained information about crimes Vlahovic had allegedly committed there that carry a sentence of up to four years in prison.

“The extradition was due to be done in the following days. As per a request received from Spain, we quickly undertook all preparations,” Grubesic said.

Bosnia and Herzegovina issued a warrant against Vlahovic in October 2008 on a suspicion that he committed war crimes, including murder, torture and rape, against Bosniaks and Croats in Grbavica between 1992 and 1995.

He was arrested in Spain at the beginning of March.

In June 2001 he fled from a prison in Montenegro where he was serving a sentence for banditry and violent behaviour.M.T.