Extension of Custody for Andabak Requested

Prosecutor Lejla Konjic requested an one-month extension of custody for Andabak due to a danger that he might flee and influence witnesses and accomplices.  

“He undoubtedly has Croatian citizenship. Livno is close to Croatia. He personally said that, had he wanted to flee, he would have used the proximity,” Konjic said.
 
She pointed out that the suspect had good relations with Croatia. She mentioned that a small number of witnesses from the investigation had still not been examined and that the suspect was an influential person in Livno.  

“He had a commanding role. He can use that role and influence people,” Konjic said.     

The Prosecution of BiH suspects Andabak, former member of the Croatian Defence Council, HVO, with having participated in the murder of two Bosniaks, as well as the inhumane treatment of one person, in July 1993.

Bajro Cilic, Defence attorney of Andabak, pointed out that, in his statement given to the Prosecution of BiH the suspect said that he would respond to invitations and mentioned that Livno was 50 kilometres away from Croatia, so he could have fled, had he intended to do it.  
 
Cilic presented the Court with a cadastre entry issued in Vukovar, Croatia, confirming that he neither possessed real estate nor place of residence in Croatia. He pointed out that the persons, whom the Prosecution intended to examine, had not been examined due to their absence.  

“This motion should be rejected in accordance with provisions of the Law on Criminal Proceedings. All conditions for releasing my client from custody have been met,” Cilic said, requesting the Court to replace custody with prohibiting measures.

Suspect Andabak said that he did not possess any real estate in Croatia and that he respected the Court and laws of this country, pointing out that his conscience was clear.

Andabak was arrested in Livno on October 15. He has been held in custody since. He was arrested along with Zoran Vrdoljak, who was released under prohibiting measures.