Statement From Deceased Witness Describes Bileca Prisoner Abuse

Goran Vujovic, Miroslav Duka and Zeljko Ilic are on trial for war crimes in Bileca. Vujovic and Duka have been charged with enabling and organizing the detention of Bosniak and Croat civilians in the public safety station and student dormitory in Bileca, where detainees were abused, tortured and killed. Ilic has been charged with participating in acts of physical and mental abuse, torture, and murder.

According to the indictment, at the time Vujovic was the chief of the public safety station in Bileca, Duka was the commander of the police station and Ilic was a police officer.

A statement given by deceased witness Ejub Camo to the State Investigation and Protection Agency in May 2013 was read aloud at today’s hearing. Ejub Camo and his brother Munib had been arrested and brought to the public safety station at the beginning of June 1992.

Camo said he and his brother were beaten all over their bodies upon their arrival.

“They continued beating me until I fainted,” Camo said in his statement.

In his statement, Camo said he was transferred to the military barracks in Bileca, where he wasn’t beaten. According to Camo, police officers guarded detainees in the military barracks.

He said nobody mistreated him in the old prison in Bileca, where he was also detained for three and a half months. He said certain prisoners were taken out and beaten. He said he heard their cries.

Camo said “war gas” was thrown into the old prison, which gave many prisoners skin diseases. He also said 12 prisoners were wounded when gunfire was opened at them through the windows of the prison.

A statement given by another deceased witness was read at this hearing, but the public was told to leave the trial chamber.

The trial will continue on October 5.