Custody Extension for Nikola Maric Requested

Prosecutor Sanja Jukic said that three new facts were revealed during the examination of witnesses and that she had to examine 43 more witnesses. 

She said that any ordering any other measures but custody was out of the question. As she said, the reasons for extending custody were a danger that he might flee and influence witnesses and accomplices.

“The suspect is familiar with all pieces of evidence gathered so far and witnesses, who have been examined and who live in Prozor. He has an absolutely strong reason to approach them and influence their statements,” Jukic said.

She said that she had been informed that protected witness S-5 had received threats.
“The witness came to the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and said that he had been threatened. There is a letter from police about it. We have submitted it to the Court,” the Prosecutor said.

Irena Pehar, Defence attorney of suspect Maric, said that the basic condition for extending custody for the suspect did not exist, requesting the Court to reject the State Prosecution’s motion.

“Grounded suspicion is based on inconclusive and fabricated statements. It boils down to ‘hearsay’,” the Defence attorney explained.

She said that the suspect was a father of seven children, who depended on his earnings, and that he had no reason to flee.  

Nikola Maric, known as Nidzo, former member of the Croatian Defence Council, HVO, has been held in custody since his arrest at the beginning of September.

The Court will render a decision concerning the custody motion at a later stage.