Examination of Witness Postponed again

The examination of Iulian-Nicolae Vintila’s Defence witness has been postponed for the second time, because the witness’ legal counselor complained about not having received all pieces of evidence from the State Prosecution.

According to legal counsellor Kadrija Kolic, witness Kerim Lucarevic is suspected of crimes in Sarajevo. Therefore, he requested the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, BiH, to provide him with an order for conducting the investigation and other pieces of evidence, so he could advise his client adequately.  
 
The Prosecution of BiH proposed to the Court to reject the Defence’s proposal, because it considered that it was not obliged to submit evidence in the investigation phase.
 
Vlado Adamovic, Defence attorney of indictee Iulian-Nicolae Vintila, said that he also considered that the rights of suspect Lucarevic, who was supposed to be examined as a Defence witness, were limited.
 
“The Prosecutor did not act in accordance with the Law on Criminal Proceedings. An order to conduct an investigation is not an internal act, but it is used as evidence in this criminal case,” Adamovic pointed out, adding that the right to defence was above all other rights.
 
The Defence of Vintila pointed out that the proceeding had to be brought to an end lawfully, proposing that the Prosecution of BiH completed its investigation against Lucarevic, so he could be adequately advised or defend himself, depending on his status.
 
The Chamber said that this was a serious issue and that it needed some time to render a correct decision, adding that it would inform the parties about that at a later stage.
 
The State Prosecution’s indictment against Ramiz Avdovic and Vintila alleges that Lucarevic, former Commander of military police of the Territorial Defence with the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, BiH, was a member in a joint criminal enterprise against Serb civilians in Sarajevo.
 
Under the same indictment, Avdovic and Vintila are charged with having participated in the establishment and maintenance of a system for abuse of Serb civilians in the period from June to the end of November 1992.
 
According to the charges, Avdovic was Commander of guards on the fifth floor of the District Prison in Sarajevo and former “Viktor Bubanj” military barracks, while Vintila was a cook and guard in the former barracks.
 
According to the official schedule, this trial is due to continue on November 18.