Mujcinovic Says Hamzic Supervised Detention Facilities in Kladanj
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Mujcinovic, Hamzic, Selman Busnov, Nusret Muhic, Nedzad Hodzic, Ramiz Halilovic, Osman Gogic and Kahro Vejzovic, all former members of civil and military police and the Territorial Defense, have been charged with unlawful detention, assault and the inhumane treatment of civilians in Kladanj.
According to the indictment, the Serb population was unlawfully in a school building in Stupari. In the summer of 1992 they were transferred to buildings previously used by teachers, where they were guarded by the police. The defendants allegedly participated in their detainment.
The indictment alleges that Hamzic was initially the commander of a company and later became a battalion commander for the Territorial Defense in Stupari.
Mujcinovic, a former police commander in Stupari, said Hamzic acted as his immediate superior and chief officer.
“He gave me verbal orders,” Mujcinovic said. He said he never received written orders.
In response to questions by Hamzic’s defense attorney, Sabina Mehic, Mujcinovic said Hamzic’s consent had to be obtained to visit any prisoners held at the teachers’ building in Stupari.
“They had the right to receive visitors, but nobody could visit the detainees without Hamzic’s approval…He decided on everything in the area,” Mujcinovic said.
When asked whether Hamzic approved requests for food supplies, Mujcinovic said he had to obtain approval from Hamzic to obtain food supplies and to use a vehicle.
Mujcinovic said Hamzic didn’t approve requests for medical assistance in Stupari.
“The health center took over responsibility for that. There was one doctor, who visited the place regularly or when needed,” he explained.
Mujcinovic said they didn’t have a room for detaining people in Stupari. He said that the prisoners who were detained in the teachers’ building “were practically free citizens.”
“As far as I am concerned, they could have left Stupari,” Mujcinovic said, adding that there were no such requests.
The trial will continue on May 8.
