Request for the extension of custody to Predrag Prosic

Vesna Ilic, prosecutor for the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, requested from the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina to extend the custody of Prosic for two months, so that the Prosecution could finish its investigation.

“The Prosecution is still carrying out investigative actions and questioning witnesses. We believe that within two months the Prosecution will finish the investigation and could make its decision regarding prosecution,” said prosecutor Ilic.

The Defence said that it believed that the proposal from the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the extension of custody should be dismissed.

“If necessary to remand him in custody, I propose a shorter period. Also, we offer a possibility that our client be relieved of his passport, as well as obliged to report to a police station regularly,” said Svetozar Davidovic, lawyer for the suspect Prosic.

The State Prosecution suspects that Prosic, also known as “Pedo”, participated, as a member of the Sixth Sana Brigade of the Army of Republika Srpska, together with other members of the unit, in the illegal search of houses and facilities in May 1992, as well as the murders and apprehension of civilians in Mahala, Muhici and other settlements in the territory of Sanski Most.

The Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina asked for the extension of custody of Prosic because it believes that there is a risk of his flight from Bosnia and Herzegovina and influencing witnesses, which is why Ilic said she opposes the suspect be issued with restrictive measures instead of remanded in custody.

“The Prosecution could have questioned the witnesses so far, and I don’t see the logic in my client influencing the witnesses (…) We offer a chance to the Trial Chamber to consider other possibilities than custody in making its decision,” said lawyer Davidovic.

Prosic was arrested on November 30 this year.

The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina will make a decision at a later date.S.U.