Ratko Goronja Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

Goronja was found guilty of murdering Dervis Selimic in Blagaj Japra near Novi Grad on June 9, 1992. Goronja, in uniform and armed with an automatic rifle, went to a primary school in Blagaj Japra and ordered Selimic to walk in the direction of the Sana River. He shot him five minutes later.

Trial chamber chair Snjezana Kudric said the chamber arrived at its guilty verdict after an analysis of the evidence and witness testimony.

“There was not a single argument provided by state prosecution witnesses which was beyond belief, while the defense failed to present any valid evidence,” Kudric said.

Kudric added that the court did not find any aggravating circumstances in the case.

“As a mitigating circumstance, the court appreciates that Goronja has no prior convictions and that he takes care of his incarcerated brother’s two young children,” Kudric said.

The verdict can be appealed at the Supreme Court of Republic of Srpska.