Presentation of Evidence Completed at Savic Trial

The Bosnian state prosecution has charged Savic, a former member of the Light Infantry Brigade of the Bosnian Serb Army, with the rape of a woman in Semizovac, in the municipality of Vogosca, in May and June 1993.

The presentation of evidence was completed with findings prepared by a court expert in neuropsychiatry which indicated that a witness for the defense was unfit to stand trial.

Court expert Zarko Savic said the witness had been undergoing cancer treatment for more than six months and had been diagnosed with metastasis, as well as diabetes and hypertension.

“Her disease is in its terminal phase. The patient takes sedatives in order to ease her suffering in some way,” Savic said. He said the witness was unable to appear in court because of her poor physical and mental well-being, and said her health could deteriorate as a result of participating in the trial.

Trial chamber chairwoman Mira Smajlovic said the injured party in the case specified her legal and property claims, which included a reduced request for compensation.

Savic objected to the claim, saying it was unfounded and that the request for compensation was too high. He said he wasn’t ready to pro compensate the injured party, because he didn’t feel guilty.