Appeals Presented Against Mato Martic Verdict

In June 2015, the cantonal court of Zenica found Martic guilty of the physical and mental mistreatment of prisoners performing forced labour.

Martic’s defense called upon the court to repeal the verdict. Martic’s defense said a statement was taken from Martic in Croatia, when he was still a suspect, without the presence of an attorney. The defense also said Martic was identified during the trial on the basis of blurry and old photographs.

Calling upon the court to reject the appeal, the state prosecution said Martic’s statement was obtained through international legal assistance and was conducted in accordance with Croatian law. The prosecution said the court should take into account that the crime was committed 23 years ago and that it was impossible to produce better quality photos at the time.

Under the first instance verdict, Martic, a former member of the Croatian Defense Council, was found guilty of shooting and mistreating two captives in July 1993.

He was escorting a group of captives with another soldier, when he shot at two captives named Samir Jazic and Gano Muslic, wounding them severely.

He did not allow medical assistance to be provided to them. They were saved by another Croatian Defense Council soldier, who transported them to a hospital.

According to the verdict handed down by the cantonal court of Zenica, Martic caused severe bodily harm to captive Izet Brutus by hitting him with the butt of an automatic rifle.

Martic did not attend this session due to his poor health. The Supreme Court will render a decision at a later stage.