Bosnia Tries Serb Ex-Policeman for Persecution, Murders

Mico Jurisic, a former member of the Tukovi reserve police forces at the police’s Public Security Station in Prijedor, went on trial on Thursday on eight counts accusing him of having participated in persecution of the non-Serb civilian population from May to September 1992.

The alleged crimes include murders, torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty, taking people to detention camps and other inhumane acts.

“We are convinced that, following the presentation of evidence, the court will get the impression, beyond reasonable doubt, that the defendant is guilty of the murder of five civilians and the other inhumane acts with which he is charged,” said prosecutor Izet Odobasic.

Jurisic’s defence lawyer Svetozar Davidovic did not offer an introductory statement but asked the court to order breaks during hearings, because he said that his client is “very emotional and he will need to calm down”.

The first prosecution witnesses will testify on May 24.