Prosecution Wants Rogatica Suspects in Custody

After questioning the suspects, the Bosnian State Prosecution said custody would be warranted out of fear that the suspects could influence witnesses and hide evidence.

The State Investigation and Protection Agency detained the eight former members of the Bosnian Serb army on Thursday on suspicion of participating in the expulsion of Bosniak civilians from the villages of Vragolovi, Golubovici and Karacici in the municipality of Rogatica in September 1992.

“The suspicion is based on witness testimonies, some of whom are members of the Rogatica brigade of the Army of Republika Srpska. Some witnesses confirmed the victims have been exhumed, while others are still missing”, said prosecutor Seid Marusic.

He added that being free, the suspects could intimidate witnesses, which can be harmful to victims. The prosecutor said that two witnesses asked for protective measures, fearing for their families.

The Defence teams asked for the men to be freed, claiming there is not enough evidence to charge them with crimes against humanity.

“Pero Radovic was not a member of the Rogatica brigade from the start of the war, but was in Lukavica. He was injured in June 1992 and sent to the hospital until 1993,” said lawyer Petko Pavlovic.

Lawyer Radivoje Lazarevic, who is defending Gluhovic, said the Prosecutor’s office delivered 35 pieces of evidence, along with witness testimonies. Out of all the evidence, the lawyer says his client is mentioned in two of the statements, as a person, not a perpetrator.

“I am even objecting to protective measures for legal reasons, but out of respect to the victims, we will abide by them,” said Lazarevic.

The Defence teams of Markovic and Bozovic suggested protective measures, guaranteeing they would respect them. The Defence teams said there should be a “higher threshold of fear” that the suspects would destroy evidence, to warrant an order of custody.

The Bosnian State Court will make a ruling on the proposal at a later date.