Ordinary Soldier

Asim Dzambasovic, a court expert in military issues, who presented his findings and opinion at a request by the Defence of Nedzad Hodzic, said, responding to Prosecutor’s questions, that, according to military documents, prisoners were sent to Igman at requests by Zulfikar Alispago, or “Commander of the Operational Group”, as well as at requests by the Commander of “the Ninth Brigade in Tarcin”.

Commenting on the official notes, which indicate that prisoner Jadranko Glavas died following a beating in which indictee Nedzad Hodzic participated, among others, Dzambasovic said that he included this note in his analysis, but there were no documents, indicating whether any disciplinary measures were ordered in relation to the murder.  

“According to the military rules, such case must be processed. I have not come across such type of documents. My job was not to determine Nedzad Hodzic’s guilt, but to present findings and opinion about the management system and structure of the Army,” Dzambasovic explained.

Nedzad Hodzic is on trial, along with Dzevad Salcin, for crimes committed on Mount Igman. The Prosecution of BiH charges the two former members of “Zulfikar” Squad of ABiH with having tortured, beaten and sexually abused prisoners, cut parts of their bodies, intimidated them and participated in other inhumane acts.

Expert witness Dzambasovic mentioned that he had not seen any documents, indicating that prisoners were beaten and abused on Igman on a daily basis, adding that the only two cases he had seen were the murder of Glavas and wounding of Dragan Vukovic, one of the prisoners.

When asked by Trial Chamber member Darko Samardzic whether it was possible for an army not to register each and every incident and event, Dzambasovic said that it was possible in practice, but, according to the military rules, such things should be reported and sanctioned.  

“Anything is possible during the war, so it is possible that not everything was registered. However, in case abuse and torture is repeated every day, I consider it strange, to say the least, that there is no written evidence or note about it,” Dzambasovic said.  

The trial is due to continue on January 8, when the Defence of the first indictee will continue presenting evidence.