Trial for Murders of Civilians in Vrbanja Begins
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Prosecutor Sanja Guzina said that, by examining its witnesses and presenting material evidence, the Prosecution would prove, beyond doubt, that the indictees were guilty of having killed a civilian in Vrbanja, Banja Luka.
The indictment alleges that Tarandzic and Zec, former members of Mejdan Police Station in Banja Luka, stopped civilian Sabahudin Ramic on July 22, 1993.
It further alleges that they wanted to check Ramic’s personal identification documents, but he refused to show them, so they handcuffed him. After that the injured party ran away to nearby brook Drenovaca.
The District Prosecution alleges that Tarandzic then told Zec to shoot at Ramic. He did that and wounded Ramic, who died in the Clinical and Medical Center in Banja Luka later that day.
Nenad Balaban, Defence attorney of the two indictees, said, presenting his introductory statement, that the Prosecutor failed to mention in the indictment that, while they were trying to check his identification documents, Ramic caused injuries to Tarandzic and threw stones at them afterwards.
“Both of the indictees acted in accordance with the law, which regulates the use of fire arms,” Balaban said.
The trial is due to continue on October 22.
