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The Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina requests the extension of custody of Zemir Kovacevic, former member of the Croatian Defence Council, who is suspected of crimes in Sijekovac and Bosanski Brod.
The Defence objected to this proposal of the State Prosecutor’s Office, while the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina will bring its decision at a later stage.
Kovacevic is suspected of involvement in murder, torture, unlawful detention, forced labour and the looting of civilians of Serb properties in the areas of Sijekovac and Bosanski Brod in 1992.
Dika Omerovic, Prosecutor at The Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, proposed the custody extension for Kovacevic due to the risk of escape, the impact on witnesses and accomplices, and fear that by his staying in liberty a violation of public order and peace could occur.
“There is an objective danger of escape, the suspect was arrested by an international arrest warrant, he has Croatian citizenship, and it is known that Croatia does not extradite its citizens. There are a large number of suspects in this case and by Kovacevic’s remaining at liberty, he would be able to get in touch with accomplices and witnesses”, said Omerovic.
Omerovic added that the collection of material documentation for a crime for which Kovacevic is suspected is ongoing, so his remaining at liberty could hinder the investigation.
The Defense objected to the proposal of The Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina stating that the Prosecution failed to provide evidence that the suspect committed the act of which he is suspected.
“We suggest that the Court rejects the Prosecution’s motion, and to release my client immediately. The Prosecution did not submit evidence that my client actually committed the act and the reasons for continuation of detention does not stand. My client was unaware that the warrant is issued for him”, said Edin Sabanovic, lawyer of the suspect Kovacevic.
Sabanovic added that “the influencing of witnesses and accomplices” which is given as reason is unfounded.
“If he had reason so far he would exert the influence on the witnesses. My client did not commit the crime for which he is suspected nor he knows persons who have participated in that act”, said Sabanovic.
Kovacevic was arrested in Sweden in December last year on the basis of an international warrant. He was extradited to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s judicial authorities on Saturday, October 29 this year.
