Tripkovic: Fit to Stand Trial

At the start of the trial, the State Prosecution announced that it would examine eight witnesses, including injured party A1 and two expert witnesses, and present a number of pieces of material evidence.

“Injured party A1 will testify about circumstances related to rape and abuse, while the other witnesses will speak about the murder of Vejsil Delic and the facts related to the existence of a widespread and systematic attack in Foca area. The witness statements will confirm the grounds for the indictment in full,” State Prosecutor Behaija Krnjic said.

The Prosecutor said that a court medical expert and a psychiatrist, who will testify as expert witnesses, would speak about the cause of death of Delic and consequences of the rape for injured party A1.

Novica Tripkovic, former member of the Republika Srpska Army, VRS, is charged with having raped and physically and mentally abused injured party A1 from April to June 1992 and killed Vejsil Delic in Donje polje, Foca municipality.

Tripkovic’s Defence said that during the course of the presentation of evidence it would examine three witnesses, the indictee and an expert witness, who would speak about circumstances related to criminal responsibility.

“The evidence will show the relation between the indictee and A1, which was not part of a widespread and systematic attack, as alleged, but it was of some completely different nature,” said Slavica Cvoro, Defence attorney for the indictee, announcing the possibility of having Tripkovic and the injured party face each other in the courtroom.

Prior to the presentation of introductory arguments, the Trial Chamber examined court expert Marija Kaucic-Komsic, member of a team of experts, who prepared findings and an opinion on the indictee’s health condition.

Kaucic-Komsic said that, on the basis of medical documentation, observation, questioning and examination of the indictee, the team of experts determined that he was fit to stand trial.

“He is a traumatized person, more physically than mentally, but he is capable of actively participating in the trial. He may suffer pain due to his physical health, and in such cases he will be partially incapable of attending the trial. For that reason, we made a proposal for examinations to last up to two hours,” Kaucic-Komsic said.

The examination of Tripkovic’s health condition was conducted after his Defence requested an assessment. The Defence claimed that the indictee suffered from depression and it was difficult to establish communication with him.

The trial is due to continue on March 23, when the first Prosecution witnesses will be examined.