Ljubomir Tasic’s Defence Proposes 22 Witnesses

During the status conference it was agreed that the Defence teams’ presentation of evidence would begin with examination of third indictee Tasic’s witnesses, although this was not the usual practice. Tasic is on trial together with Predrag Milisavljevic and Milos Pantelic.

“We have the most witnesses who will speak about general circumstances, like the beginning of war happenings in Visegrad, activities of the Red Cross, organisation of the Army and Territorial Defence. Some of those witnesses are joint witnesses of all Defence teams,” said Defence attorney Mirsada Beganovic – Zutic, adding that some of the witnesses would speak about Tasic’s role in that period as well.

The Defence of Tasic proposed a list of 22 witnesses to be examined.

The Defence of first indictee Milisavljevic proposed the examination of 11 witnesses, who would speak about persecutions, sexual abuse, murders in Paklenik pit and other circumstances.

The Defence attorneys of second indictee Pantelic did not present its proposed list of witnesses and material evidence at the status conference.

Milisavljevic, Pantelic and Tasic are charged with having participated in the murders, forced resettlement of the population, detention, torture, disappearances and other inhumane acts committed in Visegrad.

According to the charges, Milisavljevic and Pantelic participated in the murder of several tens of Bosniak civilians near the Paklenik pit, where, as alleged under the indictment, Milisavljevic initiated the shooting of the captives.

It was originally planned to examine the last State Prosecution witness at this hearing. The witness refused to appear in court due to mental disturbances.

At the last hearing the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina ordered a medical examination of this witness, but the examination has still not been completed. The Chamber explained that the witness would be examined at one of the upcoming hearings.

The trial is due to continue on September 10.