Local Justice – Bihac: Institutional Support to Witnesses

The organisation has previously established similar networks in the Zenica-Doboj and Central Bosnia Cantons.“These are the first institutional networks established in the Balkans. I am proud due to the fact that we have established the third institutional network in the Una-Sana Canton today, as well as the fact that an international network is being established in the Banja Luka region at the very same time,” said Medica Director Sabiha Husic.She pointed out that the network aimed to link all of the players involved in this field, including centres for social work and mental health, judicial institutions and NGS, and would make their resources available to victims who appear as witnesses.“It is very important to obtain support after their testimonies, because most of our witnesses had to undergo individual therapy after having testified, because they had to relive their traumas again,” Husic explained.Edina Arnautovic, President of the Cantonal Court in Bihac, considers that the establishment of the witness support network will facilitate the work of the Court, not only in relation to war-crimes cases, but also other court proceedings, particularly cases involving minors.“The implementation of a UNDP project on the establishment of a witness support section with the Cantonal Court is underway as well. However, the support will only cover the criminal proceedings themselves, leaving witnesses to themselves afterwards. Therefore, the establishment of this network is of great importance,” said Arnautovic.The Bihac Cantonal Prosecution too considers the establishment of the network very important.“This is the first time we are giving support to injured parties in criminal proceedings in a systematic manner. This will be very important for us during the investigation phase, because witnesses will be more relaxed as they will be able to obtain medical protection and some other benefits related to material rights,” Prosecutor Jasmin Mesic said.