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The state prosecution has charged Goran Mrdja, Milorad Mrdja, Ranko Mrdja and Mile Kokot, all former members of the Sixth Sanska Infantry Brigade of the Bosnian Serb Army, with participating in crimes against Bosniaks in the Sanski Most area from 1992 to 1994. The alleged crimes include acts of murder, rape, assault, theft, as well as other kinds of mental and physical abuse.
State prosecution witness Mato Grgic said he injured himself while performing civilian tasks for the Bosnian Serb Army command in July or August 1994. He said he cut himself with an axe while chopping wood.
Grgic said he was first transported to a health center in Sanski Most and then to a hospital in Prijedor. Grgic said he was transported to Prijedor with another injured civilian named Omer.
“I met Omer because we were transported to the Prijedor hospital with the same car. His hand was injured. I knew he was from Pobrijezje, a village near Sanski Most. I still don’t know what his last name was,” Grgic said.
Grgic said upon his return from the hospital, he slept over at Omer’s home. During his stay, Grgic said Omer confirmed to him that he had been abused.
During cross-examination, Grgic said he didn’t discuss the details of Omer’s abuse with him.
“We didn’t comment on it much. A certain level of fear was present. The war was ongoing. One didn’t talk much at the time. I remember he had a recent injury and that his fingers had been bandaged. I can’t remember the rest,” Grgic said.
The trial will continue on January 18, when two new prosecution witnesses will testify.
