Pronouncement of Verdict for Trusina Crimes Postponed until September

The state court will hand down a verdict against five former members of the Bosnian Army, who’ve been charged with war crimes in Trusina, near Konjic, after summer vacation.

The trial of Mensur Memic, Dzevad Salcin, Nedzad Hodzic and Nihad Bojadzic, former members of Zulfikar Squad, and Senad Hakalovic, a former member of the Neretvica Brigade, who have been charged with crimes in Trusina, has lasted nearly five years.

Fifteen civilians were killed and six surrendered members of the Croatian Defense Council, were shot in an Bosnian Army attack on that village.

The verdict was scheduled for July 13, and the reason for its postponement is now known. The new date has been set for September 1.

“The trial chamber didn’t mention the reasons for changing the date,” the state court said.

Zulfikar Alispago, a former commander with the Zulfikar Squad, was originally charged in this case, but the proceedings against him were separated due to his illness.

Edin Dzeko and Rasema Handanovic, former members of Zulfikar Squad, have been sentenced for crimes committed in Trusina under second instance verdicts.

Dzeko was sentenced to 13 years in prison, while Handanovic was sentenced to five and a half years in prison after having concluded a plea agreement.