Bosnian Serb Ex-Fighter ‘Didn’t Kill’ Bosniaks in Burning House

Radomir Susnjar told the Bosnian state court on Thursday that he felt pity for the victims, but did not participate in the murder of 57 civilians in a house in Pionirska Street in Visegrad in June 1992.

“I do not feel guilty, because I am not the person who did that,” said ex-fighter Susnjar.

He was speaking as his defence presented its closing arguments in his trial and called for his acquittal due to a lack of solid evidence.

“In this case, nothing can be concluded beyond reasonable doubt except for the fact that there was an armed conflict,” said defence lawyer Dejan Bogdanovic.

The defence lawyer argued that witness testimonies did not give a clear picture of who was to blame.

“The interpretation of the event is confusing and unclear,” Bogdanovic said.

The prosecution had argued that Susnjar arrived at a house in Pionirska Street in Visegrad, to which Bosniak civilians had been brought, accompanied by fellow Bosnian Serb fighters Milan and Sredoje Lukic.

Milan Lukic had ordered the civilians to hand over their money and other valuables, then Susnjar searched them, ordering them to take their clothes off and turn around and stand naked in front of him.

The prosecutor said the civilians were then ordered to move another house, into which Milan Lukic threw an incendiary device, causing a fire.

Susnjar threw a hand grenade into the house, and all three started shooting to prevent the civilians from escaping, according to the prosecution.

Milan Lukic was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hague Tribunal for crimes in Visegrad, including the murders in Pionirska Street, while Sredoje Lukic was sentenced to 27 years in prison.

Susnjar, who was previously living in France, was extradited to Sarajevo last year.

The verdict has been scheduled for October 30.