Extension of Custody Requested for Jasarevic

Prosecutor Lejla Konjic said that based on testimony provided from witnesses and the evidence gathered thus far, there were reasonable grounds to suspect Jasarevic did commit the crimes he is charged with, and did in fact participate in the systematic and planned resettlement of the Serb population from Livno in April 1992.

Jasarevic, along with Zdenko Andabak and Sead Velagic are suspected of attacking, abusing, persecuting, and detaining the Serb population in the Livno area during the Bosnian war.

Konjic said Jasarevic has both Bosnian and Croatian citizenship, and that he fled the country while he was being investigated in Livno. Konjic said that if Jasarevic were to be released, he could influence witnesses and accomplices – some of whom the prosecution has not been able to access. Konjic said she recommended that custody measures be extended for one month, and that she would make a final decision regarding the indictment during that period of time.

Bajro Cilic, Jasarevic’s defense attorney, objected to this proposal, and asked the court to replace custody with restrictive measures. Cilic said the existence of a widespread and systematic attack on civilians was not apparent and that the victims were “high-ranking civilians.”Cilic said the order for starting an investigation in Livno does not exist. Cilic also submitted medical documentation, and said that his client was mentally unwell and suffered from permanent changes of personality.

Jasarevic said he’s the chief of the judicial police in Bihac and has no intention of escaping. He said detention worsens his mental health.

The court shall decide on the prosecution’s motion for custody measures at a later stage.