Karadzic: Interception of Indictee
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Witnesses KDZ-245 and KDZ-126, former members of a communication interception unit with the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina, were invited to confirm that the transcripts of intercepted conversations between Republika Srpska Army, VRS generals and their political leaders during and after the attack on Srebrenica in July 1995 were correct. The Hague Prosecution intends to include those transcripts as evidence.
Karadzic, former President of Republika Srpska and Supreme Commander of VRS, is charged with genocide against more than 7,000 Bosniaks from Srebrenica and persecution of their families in the days that followed the occupation of the enclave by VRS on July 11, 1995.
Besides that, Karadzic is charged with persecuting Bosniaks and Croats throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, terrorising civilians in Sarajevo by long-lasting shelling and sniping activities and taking international soldiers hostage.
As stated by the prosecutors, in their earlier statements and testimonies, which they did not repeat in the courtroom, the two protected witnesses described what equipment was used and how the interception was conducted.
During the course of cross-examination witness KDZ-245 said that the cabinets of indictee Karadzic, general Ratko Mladic and others were intercepted. Mladic, former Commander of the Main Headquarters of VRS, is awaiting the beginning of his trial for crimes committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina before The Hague Tribunal.
Protected witness KDZ-245 said that participants in conversations were identified in case they introduced themselves, adding that nobody asked the operators to recognise their voices. He said that, following the fall of Srebrenica, he recorded a conversation in which Karadzic said that he allowed UNHCR to take part in the evacuation of the population.
Among other things, Karadzic asked second witness KDZ-126: How many Serbs live in your municipality today? The witness responded by saying that the number was smaller compared to 1991.
Both witnesses denied Karadzic’s allegations that some of the conversations were written down instead of being recorded.
The trial of Karadzic is due to continue on Tuesday, March 20.R.M.
