Trial for Sanski Most Crimes Postponed Due to Absence of Defense Attorney

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.

Trial chamber chair Mediha Pasic said the state court had tried to contact defense attorney Kenan Ademovic, but hadn’t received any information on the reason for his absence.

“The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina will certainly request that defendant Mile Kokot’s defense explain why he failed to appear at today’s hearing. If we determine it was caused by negligence, attorney Ademovic will have to cover the costs of this hearing,” Pasic said.

The trial began in April 2015. The presentation of the state prosecution’s evidence is underway at present.

The next hearing will be held on January 25.