Terzic: Trial Begins in October

During the status conference, at which the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Defence of Albina Terzic spoke about the dynamics of evidence presentation at this trial, the Prosecution did not say how many witnesses it would examine, adding that it stuck to its written proposal, which had previously been submitted to the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“As far as the number of witnesses is concerned, we have responded to your motion in detail. We mentioned the approximate time needed for their examination, listed protected witnesses, reasons for eventual exclusion of public or testimony in a separate cabin. We announced that some witnesses’ statements would be read in the courtroom and provided a list of material evidence that we would present,” State Prosecutor Mirko Lecic said.

Tomislav Ljubic, Defence attorney of indictee Terzic, said that the Defence could not specify the evidence it would present, adding that it would make a decision about it once the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina had presented its evidence.

According to the charges, Terzic, former member of military police with the Croatian Defence Council, HVO, participated, from May to July 1992, in the inhumane treatment of Serb civilians, who were unlawfully held in the school building and “Strolit” Factory premises in Odzak.

“She hit them with a police baton on their necks, shoulders and heads, slapped them, encouraged dogs to attack them, tortured, abused, humiliated and insulted them in various ways, among other things, by forcing prisoners into having sexual intercourse or committing other forms of grave sexual abuse,” the indictment alleges.

In April this year the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina banned Terzic, who has citizenship of both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, from travelling outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The trial of Albina Terzic is due to begin on October 4 this year, when the indictment will be read and introductory arguments presented.