Srebrenica Witness Speech Problems

Court expert Omer Cemalovic told the Trial Chamber that he conducted a psychiatric examination at Jovanovic’s place, adding that the witness’ wife and son gave him an unpleasant welcome. Cemalovic said that the witness said a few words only during the course of the examination.  
 
According to Cemalovic’s testimony, it was impossible to prove whether the witness did not want to speak or if he was not able to. Jovanic’s testimony at this trial was interrupted nearly three months ago, because he did not answer questions adequately.
 
The court expert considers that the witness “demonstrates that he has difficulties speaking” in an unconvincing manner and that he exaggerated his health problems.
 
Nevertheless, Cemalovic said that an internal medicine report, which was made by his colleague Radojka Golijanin, who failed to appear at the trial, was of key importance for Jovanovic’s testimony. He explained that the fact that the witness, who had already suffered three strokes, had high blood pressure, was the key problem.
 
“There is no doubt that he is sick. It is unquestionable,” he said.
 
Stanisic and Milosevic are on trial for having committed murders on a dam, near Petkovci, Zvornik municipality, in mid-July 1995, when about 1,000 Srebrenica captives were shot.
 
According to the charges, Stanisic was Commander of the Sixth Battalion of Zvornik Brigade with the Republika Srpska Army, VRS, while Milosevic was his Deputy.
 
The trial is due to continue on July 9, when court expert Golijanin will present her findings and opinion.