Rasema Handanovic as Political Refugee

At the trial for crimes committed in Trusina, near Konjic, on April 16, 1993 the Defence of Nihad Bojadzic, former Deputy Commander of “Zulfikar” Squad with the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ABiH, includes 100 documents in the case file.

The Defence presented documents related to credibility of Rasema Handanovic, former member of “Zulfikar” Squad, who was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for crimes in Trusina after having admitted guilt in 2012.

As said by the Defence, one of the documents indicated that, when entering the United States, Handanovic gave false information and that she, in fact, said that she was a political refugee. She was extradited from the USA in late 2011. 

During her testimony at this trial Handanovic said that some of the indictees had participated in the murders in Trusina. 

Bojadzic is on trial, along with Mensur Memic, Dzevad Salcin and Nedzad Hodzic, former members of the “Zulfikar” Unit, and Senad Hakalovic, former member of the “Neretvica” Brigade of ABiH, for crimes in Trusina.  

According to the charges, 18 civilians and four members of the Croatian Defence Council, HVO, who had previously surrendered, were killed in the ABiH’s attack on Trusina.

The Defence also included some documents from January 1993, referring to the establishment of “Zulfikar” Special Purposes Squad with the Headquarters of the Main Command of ABiH. Also, it presented a document made on April 12, 1993, on the basis of which, as alleged by the Defence, the “Zulfikar” Squad became part of the First Corps of ABiH. 

The Defence considers these documents relevant, because they show the status of the Squad within the management and commandership system.  

The presentation of material evidence is due to continue on July 14.