Injured Party in Djurovic Unable to Testify

Djurovic, a former member of the Bosnian Serb Army, has been charged with the rape of a Bosniak woman in an abandoned building in the Vraca neighbourhood in Sarajevo in late 1992. Djurovic allegedly threatened to kill the woman and her child.

Neuropsychiatrist Abdulah Kucukalic said that based on a psychiatric examination and a review of her medical history, he determined that participating in the trial would damage the injured party’s health.

“We’ve determined that she’s unable to follow, understand, or adequately answer questions. Also, her participation in the trial would lead to the deterioration of her mental health,” Kucukalic said.

Kucukalic said that the injured party suffered from slight mental retardation, as well as post-traumatic stress, which has considerably reduced her ability to work.

“The injured party’s mental condition is closely related to the physical, mental and sexual torture she was subjected to in 1992,” Kucukalic said.

In response to questions by the defense, Kucukalic said the incident described in the indictment had a significant influence on the injured party’s mental health.

The trial will continue on June 12.