Lalicic Rape Trial Has Begun

Lalicic is a former member of the First Corps of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina and served as a guard in a detention facility in the basement of an unfinished building in Hrasnica near Sarajevo in 1992 and 1993. He is charged with assault and ten incidents of rape committed against a former prisoner.

The indictment alleges that he pulled the victim out of a detention cell and escorted her into another room. He slapped her, pulled her by the hair, and beat her with a baton. He threatened the victim and demanded that she not tell anyone about his assault.

Afterwards, Lalicic took the same person out of her cell and raped her approximately ten times in an unfinished bathroom.

The prosecution also alleges that Lalicic and others beat a person in 1993, causing both mental and physical injury.

The state prosecution further alleges that the defendant used his position to commit acts of violence against civilians.

At this hearing, both parties agreed on the evidence presentation plan. The state prosecution plans to examine seven witnesses, one of whom has requested protective measures. They will also present over 40 pieces of material evidence. The state prosecution said it would not need more than four hearings to present its evidence. The defense decided to forgo presenting its introductory statement.

The trial will continue on March 3.