Scuk Denies Having Committed Murders in Krkaca Village

Zehrudin Scuk, also known as Zeho, said that, in his capacity as member of reserve forces with the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Jablanica, he executed his Commander’s orders during an attack on Krkaca. As he said, the plan was to search houses in the village in the most efficient way.

The indictee said that he did not know Anica Zelenika, Ruza Tutis and Iva Pavlovic and denied having been present in Krkaca hamlet on July 28, 1993, as alleged under the indictment.

“I was not close to Zaric’s and Zelenika’s houses on that day,” indictee Scuk said.

The Cantonal Prosecution in Mostar charges Scuk with having killed Iva Pavlovic in Krkaca hamlet, Doljani village, Jablanica municipality, on July 28, 1993.

Five former members of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina and reserve forces with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, MUP from Jablanica, testified about the events that happened during the search of houses in Krkaca hamlet.

Senad Munikoza, Avdo Djelmo, Nermin Idrizovic, Senad Motika and Sadik Rados confirmed to the Trial Chamber that they were members of MUP in Jablanica, just like Zehrudin Scuk.

Witness Munikoza said that his Squad entered Krkaca hamlet at about 10.45 a.m. He said that indictee Scuk stayed in the hamlet until the afternoon. “He did not enter houses alone. At least three men had to participate in the search of each house,” Munikoza said.

Witness Idrizovic “does not know that anybody was killed” during the search in Krkaca. “Scuk participated in it, just like all other members of infantry units. We cleaned the terrain, entered houses. After that we went to Orlovac hamlet as per a command,” Idrizovic said.

Sadik Rados said that he participated in guarding a curve and bridge on the road. “Scuk was with me. I did not hear that anybody was killed. I did not enter Krkaca at all,” Rados said.

The trial of Zehrudin Scuk is due to continue on September 30, when closing statements will be presented.