Begovics Trial Begins Next Week
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During a status conference the State Prosecution announced that it would examine 25 witnesses and present 38 pieces of material evidence, saying that it would need a total of 16 working days to present its evidence.
Begovics Defence did not present its evidence presentation plan, but it announced that it would request the exclusion of public during the trial, because it would go in favour of protection of the personal life of the indictee and his family.
The Defence pointed out that it had got information, indicating that some of the proposed State Prosecution witnesses had previously testified under certain protection measures at trials held before The Hague Tribunal.
The Prosecution of BiH charges Begovic, former member of the Republika Srpska Army, VRS, with having committed crimes against civilians and prisoners, who were held in inhumane and unhygienic conditions in Batkovic detention centre.
The indictment, consisting of 25 counts, alleges, among other things, that he detainees were subjected to an atmosphere of terror created by murders, abuse and inhumane living conditions, while not having enough food, water, medical care or appropriate conditions for sleeping.
Begovic is defending himself while at liberty under measures, prohibiting him from leaving Rogatica and ordering him to report to police on a regular basis.