Josip Tolic Pleads not Guilty

Josip Tolic pleads not guilty of crimes against the civilian population in Odzak and Bosanski Brod in 1992.
“I plead not guilty,” Tolic said, pointing out that he believed in the legal state and court.

The Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina charges Tolic, former member of the 102nd Odzak Brigade with the Croatian Defence Council, HVO, with having participated in the inhumane treatment of civilians, who were detained unlawfully in the school building and “Strolit” Factory in Odzak, as well as detention facilities in the construction material warehouse and the “Fric Pavlik” secondary school centre in Bosanski Brod, in the period from May to November 1992.

The indictment was confirmed on October 1 this year. Tolic has been held in custody since July 5.

According to the charges, Tolic participated in the unlawful detention of civilians in detention facilities, as well as inhumane treatment and abuse, which had lethal consequences. Besides that, Tolic is charged with having participated in forcing women to have sexual intercourse with HVO members.

According to the law, the trial of Tolic is due to begin in 60 or 90 days at the latest.