Gazdic: Custody Extension Requested

The State Prosecution argued that there is a grounded suspicion that Jasko Gazdic “raped at least four Serb females”, including children, “on several occasions” in 1992.

“The Prosecution has learnt that one of the raped women was only 12 years old at the time. In addition, there is a grounded suspicion that Gazdic committed the rapes by taking four persons out of the ‘Partizan’ sports hall, where mostly women and children were held. He then took them to a nearby apartment, where he raped them, using force,” said State Prosecutor Behaija Krnjic.

Explaining the reasons for the custody motion, Prosecutor Krnjic pointed out that no circumstances had changed since the last custody order, adding that the Prosecution was planning to examine new witnesses and collect material evidence in the upcoming period.

In mid April Gazdic was ordered into custody over concern that he might flee, a possibility that he might influence witnesses and accomplices and “a real threat to public order and peace” if he were released to liberty.

Prosecutor Krnjic pointed out that the suspect was undoubtedly a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegvina, adding that he left the country in 1992.

“He went to Montenegro. He had never come back until the day when he came to obtain certain documents because his further stay in Montenegro was brought into question. If the Trial Chamber releases him, we think that the suspect would very easily become unavailable to judicial authorities,” the Prosecutor said.

Gazdic has been held in custody since April 22 this year, after having been arrested at Klobuk international border crossing the previous day.

The Defence of Jasko Gazdic says that he did not commit the crimes for which he is suspected, adding that there are no legal grounds for custody extension.

“Any deprivation of liberty has to be explained by material evidence. However, the Defence has not received any pieces of evidence,” said Zumreta Akagic-Bavcic, Defence attorney for the suspect.

The Prosecution said that it intended to submit records of statements given by witnesses and victims, but only after it had edited them in order to “protect their identities”.

The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina will render a decision about custody extension for suspect Gazdic at a later stage.

J.Đ.