Neuropsychiatrist Describes Mental Health of Witnesses at Bileca War Crimes Trial

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.

At today’s hearing, neuropsychiatrist Abdulah Kucukalic said a witness named Munib Ovcina was unable to testify in court due to his poor health, and also presented his findings regarding the mental health of nine other witnesses.

“Coming to court would deteriorate his condition…His condition can only deteriorate, not improve,” Kucukalic said.

Kucukalic said Munib Ovcina had difficulties speaking and paying attention. He said he had mid-intensity dementia and noticeable numbness in one side of his body.

According to Kucukalic, Ovcina’s poor health was caused by two strokes, two heart attacks and diabetes, as well as the mental and physical abuse he endured while held in a detention camp during the war.

Vujovic and Duka’s defense attorneys objected to Kucukalic’s findings. The prosecution proposed that a statement by Ovcina be read at the next hearing, if the court accepted Kucukalic’s findings.

Kucukalic also presented his findings on the fear and mental harm inflicted upon nine former detainees testifying at the trial, including protected witnesses A-1, A-2, B-1, Asim Djapo, Sadik Mujacic, Edin Bajramovic, Srecko Kljunak, Ismet Bajramovic and Sabir Bajramovic. He examined their witness statements and some of their medical documentation.

Kucukalic determined that all nine of the former detainees experienced fear, mental suffering and post-traumatic stress during their detention that reduced their ability to lead normal lives.

Vujovic’s defense said only three of the nine injured parties had visited a doctor for medical treatment.

“The fact is they are not under medical treatment. Some of them don’t have money, others believe it’s shameful to visit a psychiatrist. It all depends on their views regarding health, but they should undergo treatment in order to reduce the consequences,” Kucukalic said.

Kucukalic didn’t deny claims made by Ilic’s defense attorney, who said his findings were largely hypothetical. The defense teams objected to Kucukalic’s findings, and said the witnesses should have undergone medical examinations.