Bosnian Croat Commander Acquitted of Crimes Against Prisoners
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Puljic was cleared of allowing his subordinates to take detainees from the Heliodrom prison camp in the Mostar area to the front lines, where they were made to do forced labour and used as human shields.
He was also cleared of allowing his subordinates to participate in forced disappearances and beatings.
Explaining the verdict, presiding judge Mirko Bozovic said the state prosecution had not proved the charges against Puljic.
“It remains unclear who deployed the detainees who did forced labour on the front lines after having been brought there from the detention camp. Based on statements given by some witnesses, it can be determined that they were taken out by prison guards, as well as by the military police, over whom the defendant had no control,” Bozovic said.
Pulic was acquitted under a first-instance verdict in May last year, but the prosecution filed an appeal and a retrial was held.
Thursday’s verdict cannot be appealed.
