Verdict of Release against Ivan Stjepanovic Confirmed

The Appellate Court rejected an appeal filed by the Brcko District Prosecution, saying that it was groundless, and confirmed the verdict of last year, under which Stjepanovic was acquitted of charges for having participated in several murders, pillaging and destruction of property in the Bijela, Cerik and Bukvik villages, near Brcko.

Pronouncing the first instance verdict of release, Nijazija Kalender, Chairman of the Trial Chamber with the Basic Court of Brcko District, said that the Prosecution had not managed to prove its charges during the trial.

“The only thing that has been proved during this trial is the fact that the events mentioned in the indictment happened in the Brcko area at the beginning of the war and that the indictee was a member of the HVO from 1992 to 1994,” Kalender said.

The indictment against Stjepanovic was confirmed in May 2009. His trial before the Basic Court began in September 2009.

During the course of the trial Stjepanovic defended himself while at liberty.