Macic: Reaching Truth

Defence attorney Dusko Tomic said that the Defence would examine 25 witnesses. Both parties said that they would need 15 days for presentation of their evidence.

The Defence attorney of the indictee said that he intended to examine “important people from political and military circles” of Konjic town.

“At that time the Headquarters of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ministry of Internal Affairs, MUP of Bosnia and Herzegovina rendered an order to prohibit photographing Bradina village. It is absolutely clear that they wanted to conceal a crime,” Tomic said, adding that the Defence would include the indictee’s diary as evidence with the aim of “reaching the truth”.

At the beginning of September this year Macic pleaded guilty to one count and not guilty to the other counts contained in the indictment.

Macic admitted having taken a civilian from a house in Bradina village, Konjic municipality in May 1992 and took him, along with other Serb prisoners, to a trunk road, where he fired two bursts of bullets on his back, causing the death of the civilian.
Defence attorney Tomic pointed out that, since the indictee admitted guilt for the first count, his family has been living in fear, while being subjected to unpleasant situations.

“I regard that the indictee’s family should not face problems due to the fact that he admitted the crime. Somebody should pay a visit to that family from time to time,” Tomic said.

Under the remaining counts, which he denied, Macic is charged with having caused severe bodily and mental suffering to Serb civilians, while capturing them in Bradina village. He is charged with having stayed in Sitnik village, Konjic municipality, together with other members of reserve police forces with the Public Safety Station in Konjic, in June 1992 and killed a disabled old man in that village.

The indictee asked the Trial Chamber to transfer him to a detention unit closer to the hospital due to his health condition.
“I am having some pancreas problems, which can become fatal at any moment. A four-hour drive from the detention unit in Orasje to the hospital is too much,” the indictee said.

Trial Chamber Chairman Saban Maksumic said that he would try to find a solution. “It is unlikely that we shall find space in the Detention Unit of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but we shall check whether there is room in Eastern Sarajevo or Zenica,” Maksumic said.

The trial of Macic is due to begin on October 19 this year, when the indictment will be read and introductory statements presented.