Tomas Testifies in Own Defense, Says He Was Wounded on Date of His Alleged Crimes
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Tomas, a former member of the Bosnian Serb Army, has been charged with abusing the local Bosniak population in the village of Breza in the municipality of Hadzici on November 29, 1992. According to the indictment, Tomas is responsible for the physical abuse and inhumane treatment of Bosniak civilians.
Addressing the chamber, Tomas said he went to a trench on top of Tinovo Hill on the morning of November 28, 1992, with his brother and another soldier.
He said that around 7pm on the same day someone brought ammunition and artillery parts from a workshop.
“They called us to carry the stuff to the top of the hill. We carried the parts, while skilled workmen assembled them. When I finished the job, I returned to the trench, where I stayed until my injury,” Tomas said.
When asked by the defense if it was true that he was wounded on the Tinovo combat line in the afternoon on November 29, 1992, Tomas answered affirmatively.
“The Tinovo Hill was at the frontline near Hadzici. All the attacks from Pazaric were done through Tinovo. Nobody could leave the combat line of their own accord,” Tomas said.
Responding to cross-examination questions, Tomas said no combat activities occurred on the day of his injury. He said that “a grenade fell without any reason.”
The presentation of the defense’s evidence was completed with the defendant’s testimony.
The trial will continue on March 22. At the next hearing, the cantonal prosecution of Sarajevo will further define the indictment.
