Mihaljevic: Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

After accepting a guilt admission agreement, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina sentences Zdravko Mihaljevic, a former member of the “Maturice” Special Purposes Squad with the Croatian Defence Council, HVO to six years in prison for crimes against civilians in Tulica village, near Kiseljak.

“Considering the fact that the indictee voluntarily admitted guilt in the crime, undertook to cooperate with the Prosecution in order to reveal information about the events in the Kiseljak area and expressed regret, I think that the pronounced sentence will serve its purpose in this case,” judge Azra Miletic said, explaining the verdict.
 
In March this year Mihaljevic concluded a guilt admission agreement with the State Prosecution. The agreement proposed that he be sentenced to between five and six years in prison.
 
The indictee admitted having participated, on June 16, 1993, in an infantry attack on Tulica village, where he killed one and assisted in the murder of seven Bosniak civilians. In addition, the indictee admitted having participated in the unlawful capture of several Bosniak civilians.
 
“Honourable Court, I regret the inhumane things I committed. I would like to apologise to victims and their families. I hope and I believe that my admission will contribute to the truth so that such an evil thing as this war would never happen to us again,” Mihaljevic said.
 
Mihaljevic has been exempted from paying the trial costs. Families of victims and injured parties were advised to settle their property and legal claims through civil suits.
 
The convict has been sent to a prison, where he will serve his sentence.
 
In April 2008 Mihaljevic was acquitted of all charges under a first instance verdict. Upholding the Prosecution’s appeal, the Appellate Chamber revoked the verdict and ordered a retrial.

D.E.