Vlahovic: Trial Closed to Public

Witness S7 requested some protection measures, which included testifying in a separate room and closing the hearing to public. Citing the reasons for her request, she mentioned her “bad mental state” and the fact that she still lived at the same address in Grbavica, so she did not want her identity to be revealed during her testimony.

Vlahovic is charged with having killed and participated in the murder of more than 30 people in the Grbavica, Vraca and Kovacici areas from May to August 1992 and the abuse of non-Serb citizens and confiscation of their money and other valuable possessions.

A second indictment was filed against Vlahovic, charging him with the murder and the forcible disappearances of 14 people and the rape and abuse of civilians.

State Prosecutor Behaija Krnjic told the Trial Chamber that this witness could not be in the same room with the indictee.

“The witness said that, testifying in the indictee’s presence might affect the correctness of her testimony,” Krnjic said.

The Defence of the indictee did not object to this request.

“Considering the count about which the witness will testify, I regard that the human aspect should be given priority, while the legal aspect should be of secondary importance,” said Radivoje Lazarevic, Defence attorney of the indictee.

The trial is due to continue on November 14, 2011.